Corvette Market
Keith Martin's
Volume 3 . Issue 10 . Winter 2010
24 C1 fuelie
26 Split-Window C2
32 Seriously fast C5
Profiles
C1 1957 283/283 Fuel-Injected Convertible—$115,500
“Significant race victories, the magic of one-horsepowerper-cubic-inch,
and a new slick-shifting 4-speed added to
the mystique of the '57.”
24 by Thomas Glatch
C2 1963 327/360 Fuel-Injected Coupe—$121,900
26 by Chip Lamb
“Its restoration was an older one, done to the standards of
a generation or two ago, but the paint finish had a heavy
clearcoat that emphasized weak prepwork.”
C3 1978 Indianapolis 500 Pace Car Replica—$52,800
28 by Thomas Glatch
“There are plenty of ‘brand new' Pace Cars salted away
in storage, but they are rarely seen in the market, as their
value has been so low. This sale changes everything.”
C4 1989 ZR-1 Pre-Production Coupe—$55,000
30 by John L. Stein
C5 1999 Callaway C12 Speedster—$85,250
32 by Michael Pierce
“That it carries a real VIN tag beneath the windshield
suggests it would be fairly simple to register somewhere,
as long as that state's DMV doesn't flag the VIN.
“Callaway claims the C12 was designed and built to a
standard rather than to a cost, and anyone who has driven
one can attest to the level of detail that went into it.”
C6 2006 Daytona 500 Z06 Pace Car—$72,600
34 by John L. Stein
“GM Design created the undoubtedly expensive paint
treatment from DuPont's line of Hot Hues, which includes
hallucinogenic shades like ‘Amber Ecstasy' and ‘Hot Poppy.'”
On the Cover: 1957 283/283 Fuel-Injected Convertible
Photo by Darin Schnabel; courtesy of RM Auctions
4 Corvette Market WINTER 2010 www.corvettemarket.com

Insider's
View
The current state of the Corvette market
Pick two Corvettes from the recent Arizona and Florida sales
that you'd like to have in your garage—one from your
auction and one from another, and tell CM readers why
1963 Split-Window 327/300—$110,000 at Barrett-Jackson
David Gooding
President, Gooding & Company
The Corvettes that were sold at the various
auctions in Scottsdale this year confirm that
the market remains strong for top-quality cars.
At the Gooding & Company sale we offered
a beautifully restored, award-winning 1957
Cascade Green fuel-injected Corvette that
sold for just over $103,000. This car had been
in the hands of its original owner for nearly 40
years, which makes for a great story.
Another Corvette that caught my eye was sold at Barrett-Jackson
for $110,000. It was a 1963 Split-Window 327 4-speed car finished in
Ermine White with a red interior. This is my favorite color combination
for a Split-Window because the light color allows every line of the
incredible design to show through, and the red adds excitement to the
sedate exterior color. It looks good from every angle. This was a beautifully
restored, numbers-matching car and a great effort was made to
1957 Cascade Green fuel-injected 283/283—$103,400 at Gooding
use as many factory-original parts as possible, which will always set
the best cars apart from the rest.
Mike Fairbairn
Vice Chairman, RM Auctions
Whenever I'm asked which car from a
given sale I'd like to have in my garage, the
temptation is strong to pick something really
unusual and important—a racing car, even if
barely streetable, for example, or something
so rare that most people will never see one.
Somehow I can't do that with a Corvette; it
is, after all, America's sports car. For generations,
car guys have idolized the crossed flags,
and countless garage debates have swirled around the relative merits
of multiple carburetion vs. fuel injection, or whatever was the debate
of the day.
It is in that spirit that from our sale, I'm going to choose lot 246, our
1957 fuel-injected 283/283—$115,500 at RM
10 Corvette Market WINTER 2010 www.corvettemarket.com
1967 427/400 roadster—$112,200 at Barrett-Jackson
Barrett-Jackson
Barrett-Jackson

Page 9

and performance while retaining the timeless style of the mid-year classics.
This is a Corvette that you could drive at freeway speeds all day
long while enjoying the incredible sound system and the power of the
LS7 engine. It's a piece of art that would pay dividends every time you
get behind the wheel.
RM Auctions sold a very nice 1957 Corvette, lot 246, for $115,500
that appeals to me also. The car has strong collector appeal with its
rare mechanical fuel injection, 4-speed transmission, interesting color
combination, and low mileage. And though I did not have the opportunity
to spend much time going over the car personally, it appears to
have been restored very nicely and was well documented, including the
original owner's manual. If well bought, this Corvette should hold its
value very well.
Dana Mecum
President, Mecum High Performance Auctions
1967 custom LS7 convertible—$110,000 at Barrett-Jackson
'57 fuel-injected roadster. It was the first fuelie, the first Corvette to exceed
the magic one horsepower per cubic inch, and it sold for $115,500,
a strong result for a strong car. These early cars had a purity of line that
was later lost, and for me, the condition of this car was perfect—pedigree
and correctness assured by its NCRS Top Flight status—but aged
enough to be drivable without fear of devaluation.
With only two cars to choose, I'd make the second one very differ-
ent, and it is—Barrett-Jackson's lot 1338.1, which looked like a bargain
at $112,200. A '67 roadster with my favorite options—a tri-power 427,
the 400-hp version that allows factory a/c and a 4-speed. Add to that a
Nassau Blue body with blue and white interior, and you have the ultimate
car for the humid summers of the Northeast.
Steve Davis
President, Barrett-Jackson Auction Company
As a passionate collector who likes to
enjoy my cars, it's always difficult to narrow
down to only a pair of Corvettes. However,
there were two that appealed to both the collector
and the car enthusiast in me.
The first was a custom 1967 Corvette from
our auction, lot 1329, which sold for $110,000.
This car blends the best of both worlds by
wrapping a stunning vintage body around
contemporary technology. With a powerful LS7 engine, modern
brakes, and tubular frame, the car offers new Corvette dependability
For the first time in many years I didn't
attend the Arizona auctions—we had
nearly 1,000 cars about to cross the block in
Kissimmee and I just couldn't get away. So
I'm going to take the liberty of talking about
two Corvettes from my own auction that I'd
like to have in my own garage.
The first is a 1967 427/435 convertible.
It's an extremely original car; in fact it is
the actual car that David Burroughs (Bloomington Gold) created the
Survivor program around. It is Marlboro Maroon, and the documentation
includes the original tank sticker.
This car has an interesting story concerning its paperwork.
Burroughs originally purchased it from the second owner. When
Burroughs sold it, it went through a string of owners. When I bought
it myself a few years ago, suddenly it had a ton of paperwork (window
sticker, dealer inspection sheets, Protect-O-Plate, etc. —but all the documents
with an owner's name on them had the name of the SECOND
owner, the man Burroughs bought it from. So we knew the paper was
counterfeit. Fortunately, the original paper still existed, so the car not
only survived a chain of ownership, it survived an attempt at, shall we
say, creative documentation. Unrestored, it sold for a bargain $189,000,
and the owner intends to drive it and enjoy it.
The second car was a 1966 427/450 Corvette coupe in red. It's a real
450-hp car with factory documents proving this. This car flew under
the radar; it was purchased by a very savvy dealer for $106k. In my
opinion, this could easily be a $150k car. ■
1966 427/450 coupe—$106,000 at Mecum
1967 427/435 convertible—$189,000 at Mecum
www.corvettemarket.com WINTER 2010 Corvette Market 11
Mecum Auctions
Barrett-Jackson

Page 10

Questions
&Answers
Please send your questions to questions@vettemarket.com. All submissions subject to editing.
It's Not the Years, Honey, It's the Mileage
Continue to enjoy your ZR-1 as long as you can, and when it finally gets too
tired, find a buyer with stars in his eyes and good mechanical aptitude
My high-mileage ZR-1
I've had my 1991 ZR-1 for
ten years, and the odometer
shows 147k miles. It's been a
terrific car and always garaged,
looks great and has never been
damaged. But I know values of
these cars are pretty much in the
tank and I'm wondering what
it's going to cost to rebuild the
engine. Do you have any idea
how many miles these 4-cam
engines are good for? Will it be
really expensive to overhaul?
Should I just wait for the first
sunny days of spring and send it
down the road? I know there are
a lot of low-mileage examples
around—should I just look for
one, maybe a 1993–95 model?—
R.D., Denver, CO
High mileage 1991 ZR-1
A rebuild of your highmileage
LT5 engine would
be costly, and likely represent
a significant portion of your
“fully depreciated” 147k-mile
ZR-1. It'll be money you will not
recoup come sale time. If the
engine has been maintained well,
and tended to as needed by a
knowledgeable LT5 technician,
I think you will be pleasantly
surprised at how long it will keep
going given continued care and
feeding befitting a high-mileage
unit.
If you go to sell the car as-is
now, I suspect you won't get
much, as buyers like low mileage
and will automatically deduct
the cost of an engine rebuild. My
advice? Continue to enjoy your
ZR-1 as long as you can, and
when it finally gets too tired to
enjoy, find a buyer with stars in
his eyes and good mechanical
aptitude. At that point, the car
owes you nothing and will go on
to be fixed up and live on as the
new owner's pride and joy—a
“win-win” in anybody's book.
Gingerbread will not
offer a good return
I have been a subscriber
for a while now and I love
the magazine, even though my
“collection” is limited to a few
Austin-Healeys and Corvettes.
I'm hoping to expand into
Italians in the future. Anyway,
I am hoping you can give me
a bit of advice regarding my
1963 Corvette convertible. This
car will never be anything but
a driver due to previous body
damage, incorrect color, etc. The
car currently has an incorrect
283-ci motor that burns oil and,
surprisingly, my wife doesn't
like returning from a drive with
her hair reeking of oily exhaust.
Do you have any thoughts
as to what would be my best bet
for a replacement motor? I'm
not looking for a “pavement
burner” with massive horsepower.
Instead I'm trying to
figure out which option would
provide the best likelihood of
12 Corvette Market WINTER 2010 www.corvettemarket.com
recouping the engine investment
if and when I sell the car. My
sense is that a period-correct,
rebuilt 327 is not the best investment
for this car. Will a basic
crate engine (e.g., GM 350 ci
with 250 hp) negatively impact
the ability to sell this car? And,
finally, if I am going to sell the
car in the near future, am I better
off leaving the current oil burner
in the car? Appreciate any guidance
you can provide.—R.M. via
email
I agree that spending
$15k or so under the hood
making your car correct with a
proper 327 and all the associated
1963 gingerbread will not offer
a good return on the investment.
Rather, I would suggest a
good 350-ci crate motor as you
mention, with cast iron heads
that will accept original 327
valve covers. I'd dress it up to
be period-correct, rather than
NCRS or Bloomington Gold
correct. If it suits the rest of the
car, even some mild period speed
parts might be cool—headers,
a vintage dual-plane aluminum
intake manifold topped with a
Holley and vintage air cleaner,
and whatever else suits your
fancy. Even the most basic crate
motor with a decent cam, intake,
carb, and exhaust—properly
tuned—will be a lot of fun to
drive, and easy on the wallet.
Not to mention the money you'll
save on flowers and dry cleaning
bills because it won't make your
wife and all of your clothes smell
like oily exhaust. Let us know
how it turns out.
Narrow your choice
I have a '66 coupe, a
350-hp, 4-speed, that
we use for vintage rallies. It
is reasonably stock, but with
Bilstein shocks, some minor
suspension upgrades, and a well
sorted chassis. I like the stock
look, and have kept the original
knockoff wheels. To that end, I
have also been running modern

Page 11

radial tires in the 215/70/15
size. Unfortunately, the tires
seem to be the weak link. They
handle terribly, and the car gets
very soft at speed. I don't want
to lose the look of the car, but
I also don't want to die for it.
Does anybody make a modern
radial tire in a 15ʺ size that is
speed rated above 118 mph, and
actually has some performance
capabilities? —S.B., Bristol, VA
Vintage size tires that work
are becoming quite an
issue, as you have experienced. I
too use these cars for more than
just cruising to Burger World on
Saturday nights, and have spent
a lot of time researching and
testing tires.
The best tire for high-speed
use that I have found by far is
the Avon CR6ZZ radial. They
are a V-rated tire, so 149 mph
can be sustained, and have both
DOT and European approval for
Which tires for my 1966 coupe?
road use. They are available in
15ʺ sizes appropriate for a stock
C3 wheel; I think the 225/70/15
might be a good choice for you.
At the cost of a little ride
quality you will gain a ton of
grip and stability. They stick like
glue and have a very vintage
straight tread design with a
rounded sidewall, so they look
like period-correct treaded race
tires. The negatives? They only
come in blackwall, the tread life
is rated at 100, and they love
to pick up sand and pebbles,
so I suggest using mud flaps or
3M clear paint protection film
on areas susceptible to road
rash. Avons can be a little
tricky to source in the U.S, but
try Roger Kraus Racing (www.
rogerkrausracing.com), and
check out the comprehensive size
and spec chart for CR6ZZs while
you are on their web site to help
narrow down your choice (no
pun intended). ■
www.corvettemarket.com WINTER 2010 Corvette Market 13

Page 12

Insider's
View
Event
Guide
Alabama
March 27, 2010
Alabama State Wide Corvette Meet,
Birmingham
Eight Alabama Corvette clubs are responsible
for this event, which is designed to meet
and greet every Corvette owner in the state
of Alabama. The Mid-Alabama Corvette
Club plays host at the Barber Motorsports
Park, and registration opens at 8 am. $20.
www.midalcorvette.com.
April 8–11, 2010
30th Corvette Caravan, Dothan
Hosted by Circle City Corvettes, this annual
event will feature 150-plus Corvettes
caravaning from Dothan to Panama City
Beach, Florida. There will be a special guest,
seminars, a car show, golf tournament, parties,
and a Corvette memorabilia auction to
benefit the National Corvette Museum. $100.
www.circlecitycorvettes.com.
May 1, 2010
'Vettes 'n Vibrations Car Show, Pelham
This event will be held at the Verizon
Amphitheatre in Pelham, with live music,
entertainment, and a spectacular assortment
of Corvettes from all over the Southeast.
Expect all kinds of food and beverages, as
well as Elvis. www.midalcorvette.com.
Arizona
March 20, 2010
NCRS Arizona Chapter Spring Flight
Judging, Chandler
www.ncrs.org
April 7–11, 2010
Bloomington Gold Tours National Park
Tour
Open to all 1953 to 2010 Corvettes. Explore
the beauty of Lake Powell, the Grand
Canyon, Bryce and Zion National Parks. The
tour includes four nights deluxe lodging,
meals, activities, tour cap, route book, group
photo, and welcome basket. Limited to a
small number. $1,450 single occupancy,
$1,695 double. www.bloomingtongoldtours
.com.
Arkansas
April 15–17, 2010
12th Annual Hot Springs Corvette
Weekend, Hot Springs
The Central Arkansas Corvette Club will
host over 300 Corvettes, which will be on
display with judging and trophies to be
awarded. There will be an early bird party,
14 Corvette Market WINTER 2010 www.corvettemarket.com
The current state of the Corvette market
Send your Corvette event listing to cmcalendar@vettemarket.com.
autocross, poker run, silent auction, door
prizes, a cruise through Hot Springs, and
more. Proceeds benefit Spina Bifida of
Arkansas among other charities. Come join
in the fun in Hot Springs National Park. $75.
www.centralarkcc.com.
California
March 26–28, 2010
Legends of Riverside Racing Film Festival
and Gala, Riverside
This unique film festival will screen notable
gearhead flicks such as “High Gear,” “Dorf
Goes Auto Racing,” and “Dirty Mary, Crazy
Larry,” as well as a collection of Can Am
videos, the documentary “Circuit,” about
Danny Sullivan's 1985 Can Am season, and
more. A tribute to the Greats of Riverside
will honor the likes of Phil Hill, Jerry Titus,
Masten Gregory, Ken Miles, Richie Ginther,
and others, and Carroll Shelby will be
honored at the Saturday evening gala dinner.
Only 150 tickets are available, at $199
apiece, which gets you into all the events.
www.legendsofriverside.com.
June 23, 2010
Corvette Supercar Meet, Huntington
Beach
A five-day supercar extravaganza held in
conjunction with the inaugural 2010 BarrettJackson
Auction. Includes a full day at Orange
County Race Track, a visit to the Petersen
Museum, admission to the B-J gala and
auction, a live auction for Carroll Shelby's
Children's Foundation, a supercar cruise on
the Pacific Coast Highway, and much more.
Special group parking for all supercars. $745
per car. www.justcruzinevents.com.
Connecticut
April 18, 2010
NCRS Northeast Chapter Spring Meet
www.ncrs.org
Florida
March 14, 2010
24th Annual Spring Meet Corvette Show,
Miami
The Sunshine Corvette Club and Kendall
Chevrolet once again host this gathering,
which will feature judged classes for all
Corvette generations for both original and
modified cars, with awards for 1st, 2nd, and
3rd. Also a staple of the event are a 50/50
raffle, door prizes, and live music. Preregister
by March 1 for $25 or pay $35 at the
door. www.sunshinecorvetteclub.com.
March 17–20, 2010
58th Annual Mobil 1 12 Hours of Sebring,
Sebring
The American Le Mans Series makes its
eleventh visit to one of America's most sto

Page 14

Insider's
View
Event
Guide
The current state of the Corvette market
Send your Corvette event listing to cmcalendar@vettemarket.com.
Michigan
June 5, 2010
14th Annual Corvette Encounter,
Dearborn
An all-Corvette show held at Les Stanford
Chevrolet-Cadillac, with judged competition
and people's choice awards. Hosted by the
Corvette Club of Michigan. $30. www
.corvetteclubmi.com.
New York
Visit the CM booth at Bloomington Gold
ried endurance races. Watch as the Corvette
C6.Rs race into the darkness and do battle
against a diverse field of sports cars and prototypes
from Porsche, Jaguar, Panoz, Ferrari,
Aston Martin, Ford, Acura, and more.
Tickets start at $70. www.americanlemans
.com.
April 23-24, 2010
Corvette Beach Odyssey, Panama City
Beach
Proceeds from this all-Corvette car show will
benefit the Taunton Children's Home. Hosted
by the Emerald Coast Corvette Club and held
at Pier Park on Panama City Beach, with
music, a silent auction, and 50/50 drawing.
$40 advance and $45 after April 4. fvander@
comcast.net.
Georgia
March 27, 2010
Corvettes in the Mall, Centerville
Corvettes Limited of Central Georgia hosts
this annual indoor all-Corvette show. Awards
include best of show, as well as sponsor
and class winner/runner-up trophies for
both stock and modified classes. $25.www.
corvetteclubcentralga.org.
Illinois
April 18, 2010
NCCC Concours, Tinley Park
Windy City Corvettes and Lakeside
Corvettes, both part of the National Council
of Corvette Clubs (NCCC), host four
concours events at Apple Chevrolet. www
.windycitycorvettes.com.
June 24–27, 2010
Bloomington Gold, St. Charles
Bloomington Gold Corvettes USA is the
longest running continuous national Corvette
show, and it has set the standards by which
other Corvette events are measured. 2010
marks the 38th anniversary, and attractions
include GoldSchool, the GoldMarket
swapmeet, the GoldField Corvette display
on the golf course, and the GoldMine, where
you'll find Corvettes for sale by owner.
Judged events include Survivor (for original
Corvettes), Gold (for Corvettes deemed to
be within 95% of the way they left the factory),
and Benchmark (awarded to Corvettes
that have attained both Survivor and Gold
status). Additionally, CM Publisher Martin
will emcee the Survivor Collector Car Show,
which is open to all makes as long as they
are unrestored originals. Registration fees
vary by event. www.bloomingtongold.com.
16 Corvette Market WINTER 2010 www.corvettemarket.com
Oklahoma
May 23–22, 2010
Route 66 Corvette Roundup, Oklahoma
City
An all-Corvette show hosted by the Central
OK Corvette Club. Registration is free, but
pre-registration is required. www.centralokcorvetteclub.com.
South Carolina
April 17, 2010
'Vettes Doing the Charleston, North
Charleston
This third annual show at Tanger Mall will
feature nine classes of people's choice judging,
plus six classes of scored judging. $25.
www. 4cccc.org.
April 24–25, 2010
Watkins Glen Opening Weekend, Watkins
Glen
The International Motor Racing Research
Center and the Registry of Corvette Race
Cars will host this annual spring event on
opening day weekend of Watkins Glen
International. Includes tours of the 6.6-mile
Watkins Glen public road circuit (in the
historic register), a panel of Corvette racing
experts, a reception, Corvette corral, car
show, films, and pace laps on the 3.45-mile
Watkins Glen International sports car circuit.
$60 by April 1, with a 100-car limit. www
.racingarchives.org.
North Carolina
May 29–30, 2010
6th Annual 'Vettes in the Valley, Maggie
Valley
This all-Corvette show features judged,
people's choice, and participant's choice
trophies and awards, as well as specialty
trophies. Plenty of vendors, a road rally,
live entertainment, contests, silent auction,
door prizes, and fun with great people and
fabulous cars in the Smoky Mountains. $45.
www.smokyevents.com.

Scottsdale
Storm
Mother Nature vs. Tents—The Wind Wins
O
n January 21, during the annual Arizona auctions, a severe storm hit the Phoenix area.
Two 800-foot tents at Russo and Steele were destroyed, and nearly 300 cars beneath them
suffered some form of damage, including several Corvettes. You can imagine the lawsuits
that will follow. To learn more go to www.corvettemarket.com/AZstorm. See more photos
there as well.
20 Corvette Market WINTER 2010 www.corvettemarket.com
Courtesy Russo and Steele

Page 19

www.corvettemarket.com WINTER 2010 Corvette Market 21

Page 20

Corvette Market
Insider's Semiar
by Paul Duchene
Corvettes we have ever offered, and verifying awards is part of our responsibility, too.
Ask to see copies of documents,” he said.
The panel included the world's foremost Corvette experts: David Burroughs, CEO
of Bloomington Gold, the oldest and largest annual Corvette show; Roy Sinor, who
has been the president of the NCRS national judges since 1996; Jim Jordan of County
Corvette, one of the largest Corvette dealers; Kevin Mackay of Corvette Repair, a leader
in NCRS- and Gold-standard restoration; Terry Michaelis of ProTeam Corvette, who has
bought and sold 10,000 Corvettes in the past 37 years; Michael Pierce, #30 of over 4,000
NCRS judges nationwide; and Mike Yager, who has been involved with Corvettes since
he founded Mid America Motorworks in 1974. Yager delighted everyone by showing up
in very good spirits, only four weeks after a quadruple heart bypass.
The seminar was divided into two sessions of one hour each. The first discussed
when to preserve a car and when to restore it; each panelist gave examples of difficult
decisions and what course was decided upon.
In addition to the PowerPoint exhibition and discussion of Bloomington Gold and
300 collectors and seven Corvette luminaries at B-J
auction site in Scottsdale on Thursday, January 21, for
the 3rd Annual Corvette Market Insider's Seminar.
Emceed by Publisher Keith Martin, the seminar was
D
the most successful yet, with lively discussions between
the expert panelists, extensive PowerPoint illustrations,
and questions from the audience.
Barrett-Jackson President Steve Davis welcomed the
seated crowd and applauded the approach to Corvette
provenance pioneered by Bloomington Gold and the
National Corvette Restorers Society.
“This year we have the most significant collection of
Expert Picks
Buy
David Burroughs
Jim Jordan
Kevin Mackay
Terry Michaelis
Michael Pierce
Roy Sinor
Mike Yager
1953–75 Corvettes that are at
least 75% original
1968–69 L88
1968–69 L88
1968–69 L88
1967–69 L88; 1959–67 tankers
Any well-documented smallblock
fuelie with solid judging
history
1958, '67, '68, '78 cars—
tremendous value
Sell
1963–66 “average” coupes
under 360 hp
1990–95 ZR-1
Basket-cases w/ replacement
blocks and no documentation
1966–67 427/435 coupes and
convertibles
Any Corvette w/ anything that
sticks through the hood
Any plain Jane C3 or C4 that
isn't well documented
Any car w/ better equipment
than what you already have
Hold
1963–72 authentic higher hp
convertibles
1967 427/435
1965 327/350 Survivor coupe
1963 327/360 Split-Window
fuelie
Any Corvette with a “Z” in the
RPO
Unrestored, original, well-preserved
cars
1963 Z06 or documented C4
Challenge race cars
Holy Grail
1967 L88 Daytona Race Car
1963 Grand Sport #002
1963 Grand Sport #004 w/ L88
development engine
1963 Grand Sport—not picky
1963 Grand Sport—I'll take any
one you'll give me
Original 1967 L89 convertible
w/ judging history
1963 Grand Sport #002
espite a ferocious winter storm that pounded
Arizona and created deep puddles of water all
over WestWorld, more than 300 Corvette enthusiasts
packed into a 60-foot tent at Barrett-Jackson's
NCRS judging standards, both Burroughs and Sinor shared details of the way each
organization appraises cars offered for judging, addressing issues of authenticity, what
is required for various awards, what can be improved, and what is best left alone.
In the spirit of both organizations' “open book” approach to Corvette concours,
Corvette Market magazine distributed 36 pages of B-G and NCRS guidelines to each
of the seminar attendees.
The second half of the seminar was devoted to which cars to buy, hold, or sell in
today's market. Each panelist presented his recommendations and reasons and then all
seven chose their Corvette “Holy Grail”—the car they'd probably sell all their other
cars to get. Several of the panelists offered to sell Mike Yager's house and buy their
dream car with that money!
Both audience and participants agreed that it was an exceptional experience to
have so many Corvette experts and enthusiasts together in one room, all after one
thing—how to be smarter Corvette collectors. Publisher Martin promises next year's
event will add a number of new experiences. As this year was completely sold out
and had standing room only, be sure to make your reservations early; go to www
.corvettemarket.com/seminar2011 to reserve your space today. ■
Scottsdale, AZ
Corvettes at Barrett-Jackson
The third CM seminar was the most successful yet, with lively discussions
between expert panelists, an extensive slideshow, and audience questions
22 Corvette Market WINTER 2010 www.corvettemarket.com

Page 22

C1 profile
1957 283/283 Fuel-Injected Convertible
Harley Earl once remarked, “You can design a car so that every time you get
in it, it's a relief—you have a little vacation for a while”
by Thomas Glatch
Chassis number: E57S106307
come first step in the process, while a major exterior restyling for 1956 provided a
much-needed kick on the showroom floor.
Although the 1957 Corvette remained virtually identical in appearance to 1956,
W
the big news came in the form of the enlarged 283-ci small-block V8 engine, destined
to become a performance icon. The highest specification benefited from a Rochester
mechanical fuel injection unit, a compression increase, and a high-lift mechanical
camshaft, good for 283 hp. As a result, the 1957 Corvette famously became just the
second American production car to develop one horsepower per cubic inch of displacement
(the first was the 1956 Chrysler 331-ci Hemi, which put out 355 hp).
Just 1,040 Corvettes were equipped with the fuel-injection option for 1957, and they
were capable of acceleration from 0–60 mph in six seconds, en route to top speeds
approaching 130 mph. These cars quickly became favorites of sports car racers, who
recognized that the fuel-injection system provided a precise, surge-free fuel supply to
the engine during competition. A growing list of heavy-duty suspension and braking
options was also available, and very soon, the Corvette began dominating SCCA events.
Equipped with the impressive 283-ci/283-hp, fuel-injected V8 engine, this 1957
Corvette is a former NCRS Top Flight award-winning example that continues to
benefit from its older body-off restoration. While fuel-injected early Corvettes are
already quite rare, the car offered here is even more so, being one of 664 Corvettes
equipped with the new-for-1957 4-speed manual transmission, as well as one of just
327 examples equipped with a 3:70:1 Positraction rear axle.
Other desirable attributes include a turquoise exterior finish with white coves, a tan
convertible top, a 6,000-rpm tachometer, a Wonderbar pushbutton-operated AM radio,
24 Corvette Market WINTER 2010 www.corvettemarket.com
hile the original Corvettes of 1953–54 were more suited to stylish cruising,
a performance boost quickly followed, thanks to Zora Arkus-Duntov, who
skillfully guided the Corvette's transformation into a potent sports car. The
addition of the powerful, small-block 265-ci V8 engine in 1955 was a wel-
full bright wheel covers, body-color steel wheels, and
wide whitewall tires. Offered complete with an original
owner's manual, this fuelie 1957 Corvette is one of the
greatest performance icons ever to come from Detroit.
Details
Years Produced 1957
Number Produced 1,040 Fuel-Injected (6,339 total)
Original List Price $4,115.77
CM Valuation $72,000–$120,000
Tune-up $150
Distributor Cap $19.99
Chassis # VIN plate on the steering column
Engine # Pad on front of block below right
cylinder head
Club
National Corvette Restorers Society
6291 Day Rd.
Cincinnati, OH 45252-1334
More www.ncrs.org
Alternatives 1959 Jaguar XK 150; 1955–57 Ford
Thunderbird; 1959 Daimler SP250
CM Investment
Grade A
Photos: Darin Schnabel/RM Auctions

Page 23

CM Analysis This car sold for $115,500, including
buyer's premium, at RM's Automobiles of
Arizona Auction in Phoenix, Arizona, on January 22,
2010.
When you think of the great American designs of the
1950s, cars like the 1955–57 Chevys and Thunderbirds,
the Chrysler 300 series cars, and the Corvette come
to mind. But as much as fins and chrome defined the
era, so too did the rainbow of available colors on these
cars. Pastels in two-tones and even three-tones reflected
the exuberant mood of the times, just as the psychedelic
colors of the late '60s defined that era and the dreary
browns, beiges, and navy blues bring to mind the 1970s.
460 color combinations on1957 Chevys
Harley Earl established the world's first automotive
design studio in 1929—General Motors's Art & Colour
Section—and he clearly recognized that color was
an important aspect of good design. In fact, GM was
the pioneer in the way cars are painted today, having
worked with DuPont to create the sprayed nitrocellulose
lacquers they introduced in the early 1920s.
By the 1950s, the Art & Colour Section had evolved
into GM Styling, with responsibility for everything from
Frigidaire refrigerators to Electromotive locomotives.
“Colour” may have been dropped from the department's
name, but their use of color soared to new heights. And
when someone complained to Chevrolet president Ed Cole about the 460 different
color combinations on the 1957 Chevy sedans, he simply said, “It will take more than
styling to sell these cars.”
Corvettes that year had just seven colors to choose from, either in monotone or
with contrasting “coves.” The magic of one-horsepower-per-cubic-inch for the fuelies
and a new slick-shifting 4-speed gearbox—along with racing victories at Sebring and
elsewhere—just added to the mystique. Then there is the updated styling that was
introduced the year before. Harley Earl once remarked,“You can design a car so that
every time you get in it, it's a relief—you have a little vacation for a while.” The '57
Corvette was one of those cars.
You can repaint a C1 Corvette any color you like
Out of the 6,339 Corvettes built in 1957, fully 75% were painted either Onyx Black,
Polo White, or Venetian Red. Personally, I'd rather be in the 25% who chose Aztec
Copper, Inca Silver, Arctic Blue, or, my favorite, Cascade Green. But since firstgeneration
Corvettes do not have a trim tag, when restoring one of these cars you can
really paint it any one of the colors available that year, and it seems the majority of
restored '57s are black or red.
That's probably done to make them more marketable—black and red are histori-
cally the most popular Corvette colors—but I tend to think it's the period panache of
this Cascade Green '57 that bumped it almost to high book, which is $120k.
At this price, in this condition, I would say that both buyer and seller should be
pleased. ■
(Introductory description courtesy of RM Auctions.)
Tom Glatch has been contributing stories and photographs to automotive magazines
since 1983, and began covering Corvettes in 1989. He lives in Wisconsin.
www.corvettemarket.com WINTER 2010 Corvette Market 25

Page 24

C2 profile
1963 327/360 Fuel-Injected Coupe
Most Corvette aficionados will argue that the Split-Window coupe represents
a purity of concept, even if only due to the two smaller back windows
by Chip Lamb
Chassis number: 30837S117609
Positraction rear axle. The car sports knockoff aluminum wheels, a rare AM/FM
radio, and equally rare power windows.
No detail, no matter how small, was left untouched in the frame-off restoration of
T
this expertly finished Split-Window.
CM Analysis This car sold for $121,900, including buyer's premium, as part of the
in Kissimmee, Florida, on January 30, 2010.
Chevrolet's new, second-generation Corvette Sting Ray was immediately lauded
in the period automotive press for its handling and overall performance, including its
sheer power output. Car Life bestowed its annual “Award for Engineering Excellence”
upon the car. Underhood, the press also thought the 327-ci V8 that had debuted in
1962 was even better in the new car.
This comes as little surprise, since only the Corvette offered so many different lev-
els of performance tuning. At the top were two 360-horsepower engines: the Rochester
fuel-injected mill, and the super-rare Z06 developed for the Grand Sport.
The 1963 Corvette competed with or even exceeded the amenities offered by the
best European sports cars. With contoured bucket seats and available leather upholstery,
telescopic steering wheel adjustment, large and visible instrumentation, as well
as a heating and ventilation system that was able to cope with the greater extremes
of the North American climate, the new Corvette had arrived in the top rank of sports
cars.
The C2 scored in the performance departments as well, since the new independent
26 Corvette Market WINTER 2010 www.corvettemarket.com
no-reserve Hammack Collection at Mecum's High Performance Auction
his 1963 Corvette Sting Ray Split-Window coupe is finished in the rare and
correct Saddle Tan metallic over a Saddle leather interior. Under the hood, a
correct and believed-original 327 cubic-inch, 360-hp, Rochester fuel-injected V8
is mated to a close-ratio Muncie M20 4-speed manual transmission and 3.70:1
Details
Years Produced 1963
Number Produced 10,594 coupes
Original List Price $4,257 plus $1,000 for options
present
CM Valuation $74,000–$142,000
Tune-up
Distributor Cap $15
Chassis # Beneath passenger side dash
along structural support
Engine # Pad on passenger side of engine
forward of cylinder head
Club
National Corvette Restorers Society
6291 Day Rd.
Cincinnati, OH 45252-1334
More www.ncrs.org
Alternatives
1965–67 Chevrolet Corvette 396/427;
1968–69 Chevrolet Corvette L89;
1965–66 Shelby GT350
CM Investment
Grade A
$250 (any problems with the
fuel-injection system could cost a
multiple of this figure)
Photos: Mecum Auctions

Page 25

rear suspension complemented the output available from the 327 V8 in providing better
adhesion compared to the live-axle cars—not to mention much of the competition.
In testing a duplicate of our subject car, a 4-speed fuelie with a 3.70:1 axle, Motor
Trend reported 0–60 mph times of 5.8 seconds and a 14.5-second standing quarter
mile at 102 mph. They also recorded better than 18 miles per gallon at legal highway
speeds and an overall 14.1 miles per gallon, much of which was doubtless pedal-tothe-metal.
The Split-Window was a one-year-only car
The installation of factory options reflected the market's demand for raw per-
formance in sporting cars. Corvette's optional power brakes went into only 15% of
production, power steering into just 12%. Only 278 buyers for 1963 specified the hefty
$421.80 for air conditioning, and the $80.70 leather upholstery was ordered on only
about 400 cars. Even the Kelsey-Hayes knockoff alloy wheels at $322.80 were ordered
by only a handful of buyers (and no deliveries were ever confirmed). However, almost
18,000 of the total 21,513 Sting Rays that left St. Louis had the 4-speed Muncie manual
gearbox—better than four out of every five.
Since the 1964 car lost the twin-pane rear glass, the Split-Window was a one-year-
only car. By contrast, a 1964 fuel-injected Corvette with 15 more horsepower, better
rearward visibility, and arguably more of the first-year car's bugs worked out has a
value of $20,000 to $40,000 less than a Split-Window. Most Corvette aficionados will
argue that the Split-Window coupe represents a purity of concept, if only for those two
smaller panes of glass and a bit of extra fiberglass that obscured part of the traffic in the
driver's rearview mirror. When combined with an original fuel-injected 327, a Muncie
4-speed, and the desirable 3.70:1 rear end, a Split-Window would be hard to beat.
Here's where our subject car comes under the microscope. I happened to be on
the ground in Kissimmee in January where this car was offered at no reserve as part
of the 50-or-so-car Hammack Collection consigned by Mecum well in advance of the
auction.
Its restoration was evidently a comprehensive older one, done to the standards of
a generation or two ago. Body gaps were production-quality or better, but the car's
paint finish had an atypical metallic mix and heavy clearcoat that emphasized the
need for greater prepwork, and it also showed some shrinkage from age.
50,200 miles was a believable figure
Inside the jambs, some light cracking was evident, notably along the rain gut-
ters behind the tops of both
doors. The glass was original,
and the rear panes exhibited
some scratches. Chrome and
brightwork were restored or
replated as needed and exhibited
few flaws. Inside, no
aging was evident. The supple
tan leather, correct carpets
and trim were what one would
expect from a well-executed
restoration. The car's odometer
read just 50,200 miles, a
believable figure.
This car's engine pad had
been scraped clean of paint,
with both its chassis number
and type designation stampings
evident. Some thought the
stampings “atypical,” while
other experts found them “typical”
or “real.”
The car card made no mention
of a numbers-matching
claim, and there's a good reason for the absence of the
assertion on Mecum's paperwork. Mecum has clamped
down hard on claims and beliefs about matching numbers,
presenting an iron-clad contract to consignors
who must stand behind their claims before and after the
sale.
A friend brought two Corvettes to Kissimmee—a
non-numbers-matching big-block convertible and
an all-numbers-matching, NCRS-judged small-block
coupe. He related to me the in-depth nature of Mecum's
contract with consignors as regards all-numbersmatching
cars. Mecum is to be commended for this.
Mecum's web site description stated that the car was
“believed” to have matching numbers, and there was no
mention of this at all on the car card. As we have noted
in Corvette Market, with fifty-plus-year-old cars, it is
often impossible to have “real paperwork” that authenticates
a car. However, a Corvette sleuth in the audience
reported to CM that the tell-tale bits that indicated this
car was originally a fuelie were intact.
The real issue with this car is the paint. For the car
to be judged at Bloomington or by NCRS, the heavy metallic
base/clear “plastic” type paint would have to be
completely stripped off. Metallics are hard to get right
unless done in a lacquer-type paint.
Certainly this was a lot of money, but not ALL the
money. Another $15,000 will get the paint and body issues
into compliance for Bloomington and NCRS judging, and
at that point, I would call this car well bought. ■
(Introductory description courtesy of Mecum
Auctions.)
CHIP LAMB has been writing about cars and the
people who own them for over ten years. He regularly
reports on the market for CM and SCM.
www.corvettemarket.com WINTER 2010 Corvette Market 27

Page 26

C3 profile
1978 Indianapolis 500 Pace Car Replica
Buyers who paid a premium for their Pace Cars and those who held on hoping
for big gains owned the equivalent of buried cash in a coffee can. Until now
by Thomas Glatch
Chassis number: 1Z8748S901019
G
erald Chouinard is upset. He wants to buy a new Chevrolet near his Aurora, Ill.,
home, but he says the dealer won't sell it to him—even though Mr. Chouinard put
down a $1,000 deposit last September and never quibbled about the price, which
exceeds $13,000. Now Mr. Chouinard has gone to court....”
So began the story in the March 27, 1978, issue of the Wall Street Journal titled
“Few Want to Drive This Car, but Many Are Eager to Buy It.” There was already an
incredible buzz among the Corvette faithful about the upcoming 1978 Special Edition
Corvette, better known as the Indianapolis 500 Pace Car Replica, but this article now
broke the news to the rest of the world. Already the market was getting crazy about
this car, even though production had just begun the week before the story broke, and
no one had seen the car in the flesh.
Only one Pace Car was allocated to each dealer, so the total production was 6,502,
and the speculators traveled all over to put their deposit on as many coveted Pace Cars
as they could find or afford.
What was missing from all this hoopla was that the 1978 Corvette was a pretty
good vehicle. The ten-year-old body was freshened with the inclusion of the large fastback
rear window. The all-new interior was much more comfortable with an increase
in space. Power was becoming acceptable again, with the L82 option delivering 220
hp. Compared to the other cars of the late 1970s, the Corvette was in a class by itself.
Jim Rathmann, 1960 Indy 500, drove the actual Pace Car—an L82 automatic with
Gymkhana suspension—during the 1978 race and reported, “I've been told the car is
strictly stock, which doesn't surprise me. I doubt if there's a stock Corvette that wouldn't
handle well enough or run fast enough to pace the ‘500'.”
It's a mystery why it took 25 years for the Corvette to be selected to pace the Indy
500, but that wait may have fueled the Pace Car feeding frenzy. And if you were looking
for a '78 Pace Car to buy today, this would be the one. It has the most collectible powertrain
with the 350-ci L82 V8 and the 4-speed manual transmission. It is also equipped
with the FE7 Gymkhana suspension, like the actual Pace Car. This '78 has just 158 miles
on the odometer, which is not that unusual, but it is one of the rare Pace Cars that escaped
28 Corvette Market WINTER 2010 www.corvettemarket.com
the speculators, having been owned by the original dealer
until a few months before the sale. The original window
sticker is still in place on the right door glass.
Details
Years Produced 1978
Number Produced 6,502 Pace Cars (46,776 total)
Original List Price $14,219.21
CM Valuation $20,000–$40,000
Tune-up $150
Distributor Cap $19.99
Chassis # VIN plate on driver's side dash at
base of windshield
Engine # Pad on front of block below right
cylinder head
Club
National Corvette Restorers Society
6291 Day Rd.
Cincinnati, OH 45252-1334
More www.ncrs.org
Alternatives
1978 Pontiac Firebird Trans Am;
1978 Chevrolet Z/28;
1978 Ford Mustang King Cobra
CM Investment
Grade C
Photos: Barrett-Jackson

Page 27

CM Analysis This car sold for $52,800,
including buyer's premium, at
the 39th Annual Barrett-Jackson Collector
Car Auction in Scottsdale, Arizona, on
January 22, 2010.
In the 93 runnings of the Indianapolis
500, Corvettes have paced the race ten
times—1978, '86, '95, '98, 2002, '04, '05,
'06, '07, and '08.
The black and silver Pace Car replica is
all anybody connects to the 1978 model at
this point, but that year also saw a number
of changes. The fastback window created
more space, but it wasn't a hatchback, so getting anything back there was a trial. The
glass heated up the interior too, but at least there was a retracting cover for security.
Inside, the gauges were redesigned in a squarer mode and a glovebox was added.
Door panels were new, with removable armrests, and the windshield wiper and washer
controls moved back to the instrument panel.
Chevrolet planned 300 sets of “Corvette” tires
Chevrolet was originally going to build 300 limited-edition cars for 1978, to honor
the 300 Corvettes built in 1953. The company even considered making 300 sets of
Goodyear tires with the word “Corvette” on the side, but cooler heads prevailed.
Instead, the company bowed to the demands of the 6,502 Chevrolet dealers and
built one car for each. Had GM stuck to the original plan, the story of Corvette's first
Pace Car may have been very different. The reality, however, was that supply eventually
far outstripped demand.
The speculators who got in early and got the cars and then “flipped” them for
a quick sale probably turned a decent
profit. Those who paid a premium for their
Pace Cars (some paid as much as $75k)
and those who held on to them hoping for
greater gains, soon learned they owned the
investment equivalent of burying cash in a
coffee can. Until now.
Plenty of “brand new”
examples stashed
It seems most '78 Pace Cars on the mar-
ket are high-mile, well-worn examples that
sell for very little (but at least these owners
got some enjoyment out of them). There are plenty of
“brand new” Pace Cars salted away in climate-controlled
storage, but they are rarely seen in the market,
as their value has been so low.
The sale of this Pace Car for $52,800 changes every-
thing. While it is much too early to claim that the Pace
Car's time has come, I won't be surprised to see a few
more of these like-new cars cross auction blocks in the
near future, and it will be interesting to see if this sale
was an anomaly, or if the market is finally ready for a
perfectly preserved Pace Car with the correct options.
The bar has been raised, but until we see a few more sales
at this level, I'd have to call this car very well sold. ■
(Introductory description courtesy of Barrett-
Jackson.)
www.corvettemarket.com WINTER 2010 Corvette Market 29

Page 28

C4 profile
1989 ZR-1 Pre-Production Coupe
If you want to get technical about it, this 1989 ZR-1—a model never officially
released for sale—is among the rarest of all Corvettes. Only 84 were built
By John L. Stein
Chassis number: 1G1YZ21J4K580004
stored vehicle complies with all applicable laws and regulations prior to any sale or use
of the vehicle on public roads.
T
CM Analysis This car sold for $55,000, including buyer's premium, at the 39th
Annual Barrett-Jackson Collector Car Auction in Scottsdale, Arizona,
on January 19, 2010.
Prior to the delayed launch of the 1990 ZR-1, Chevrolet built 84 early-production
1989 models for a spectacular media launch event in France. So if you want to get technical
about it, the 1989 Corvette ZR-1—a model never officially released for sale—is
among the rarest of all Corvettes. Putting this in perspective, far more original 1953
Polo White roadsters (300), 1963 Z06s (199), and even 1969 L88s (116) were made.
In this case, the $55,000 question is, does rarity in and of itself impart value?
Whooping cough is also rare, but this doesn't mean you want it. The point here is that
rarity without historical significance is worthless. And this begs still another question:
What is the historical significance of the 84 stillborn 1989 ZR-1s?
Fueled by an explosion of interest in racing and performance cars, and champi-
oned by Chevrolet general manager Jim Perkins, the ZR-1 launched in late 1989 to
worldwide acclaim for its Lotus-designed 32-valve aluminum LT5 V8.
30 Corvette Market WINTER 2010 www.corvettemarket.com
his car is one of 84 1989 ZR-1s built and never released to the public. It was used
for media events and auto shows and is sold on a salvage title.
As with all Heritage Collection cars, this vehicle will be conveyed to the
buyer with a “salvage” title. The buyer is responsible for ensuring that the re-
Details
Years Produced 1989
Number Produced 84 (pre-production only)
Original List Price $58,995 (1990 ZR-1)
CM Valuation $40,000–$60,000
Tune-up $500
Distributor Cap n/a
Chassis # Lower-left windshield corner
Engine # Lower rear side of crankcase
Club www.zr1netregistry.com
Alternatives
1987–91 Corvette Callaway Twin Turbo;
1988–89 Corvette Challenge racer;
1996 Corvette Grand Sport
CM Investment
Grade B
Photos: Barrett-Jackson

Page 29

The car delivered a then-euphoric 375 horsepower
and Euro-type engineering cache that promised
Corvette would compete—in performance as well as
sophistication—with cars like the similarly powered
Porsche 928 S4. So anticipated was the ZR-1 by the
media that it reportedly garnered more magazine covers
than any car in history.
Not all that glimmers is gold
How wrong they all were, because in a matter of six
years both the ZR-1 and Porsche 928 would be in their
graves—the expensive ZR1 RPO eventually replaced by
an equally powerful pushrod C5 Z06 model, and the V8
Porsche ignored by disinterested cognoscenti in favor
of the “real” Porsche, the 911. (Harley-Davidson later
repeated the mistake by introducing a high-tech V-Rod
with a Porsche-designed liquid-cooled OHC V-twin,
which the H-D pushrod-faithful also avoided.) This
shows that certain nameplates like Corvette, Porsche,
and Harley-Davidson carry tremendous inertia, and
they can be very hard to steer anywhere besides straight
ahead.
All of which brings us to this particular 1989 ZR-1,
which sold out of the GM Heritage Collection. The
scarce auction copy, perhaps a few minutes' masterwork
for some staff attorney, first implies that the car
cannot be licensed, and then disclaims that the buyer is
responsible for its legality before doing so. But the fact
that this car carried a real VIN tag beneath the windshield suggests that it would be
fairly simple to register in one state or another, as long as that state's DMV's database
doesn't flag the VIN.
It that case, a dealer plate would surely get you by for the occasional foray into the
public domain. Let's hope the buyer knew the score on this matter, because with only
344 miles showing on the odometer, this 21-year-old relic has a lot of life left, with a
few good stories to carry along with it—so long as they can be discovered.
Double the ZR-1 market value... and worth it
The body already has enough chips, cracks, and scrapes that you'd scarcely notice
a few more, picked up at a track day or else charging across the Appalachians. Missing
its original ZR-1 badges and sporting mismatched front wheels (fortunately with the
correct ones stored inside), rusty iron brake rotors, and filthy wheelwells, this relic
had the long-slumbering demeanor of Punxsutawney Phil and seemed unprepared
for the spotlight at auction. But all those visible warts likely meant the sellers weren't
trying to hide any other flaws.
As to the price paid, this ugly duckling pulled roughly twice what an average-
condition first-year 1990 ZR-1 will fetch this year. Nevertheless, I like “stories” when
they're the good kind, and this car has fascinating chops. To me, the hammered condition
makes it all the more appealing, because these battle scars are the proof points of
a life well lived. And with most of the other pre-production ZR-1s probably scrapped
or exported, this one is actually a rare duck. Time, care, and research will make it
well bought indeed. ■
(Introductory description courtesy of Barrett-Jackson.)
JOHN L. STEIN served as editor of Corvette Quarterly from 1998 to 2005, the only
independent editor to lead GM's flagship magazine.
www.corvettemarket.com WINTER 2010 Corvette Market 31

Page 30

C5 profile
1999 Callaway C12 Speedster
The Callaway C12 program was actually conceived to be a series of road
and track vehicles with entrée to the GT2 class at Le Mans
by Michael Pierce
Chassis number: 1G1YY32G6X5126571
nies, Callaway and IVM, the C12 was intended as a bespoke, high-performance car
that offered its occupants a civilized interior and relaxed ride.
With aerodynamic bodywork fabricated from fiberglass, carbon fiber and Kevlar,
R
a massaged aluminum V8 engine, heavily revised suspension, enormous disc brakes,
and a thoughtfully upgraded interior, the Callaway C12 is a custom-built American
supercar. It is so different from its Corvette base that cars sent to Europe are titled as
Callaways. Very few of these cars were built and most were custom made to specifications
of the clients.
One of only two such Speedsters built, this Callaway C12 was constructed to the
special order of Bruce Callner, a longtime Callaway client. As delivered, the car was
one of two C12s delivered with an automatic transmission and the only automatic
Speedster ever built. Not content with the standard automatic set-up, Callaway
purpose-built the transmission to cope with the tremendous power of the V8, and the
electronic controls were modified. This Speedster was also ordered with dual coil
suspension, blue and cream leather seats, metallic Lambo Blue paint, the Le Mans
brake package, and interior carbon fiber trim, which contributed to a price in excess
of $225,000.
CM Analysis This car sold for $85,250, including buyer's premium, at Gooding &
Company's Scottsdale Auction on January 23, 2010.
Think major autobahn cruiser
The Callaway C12 program was initially conceived to be a series of production
vehicles with entrée to the GT2 class at Le Mans. The program was a success, with
the cars it entered taking the class pole position at Le Mans in 2001—a move that
32 Corvette Market WINTER 2010 www.corvettemarket.com
eeves Callaway has built a reputation for producing some of the most sophisticated
and advanced Corvette-based sports cars.
Introduced in 1998, Callaway's C12 continued this legacy. Designed, developed
and constructed by two top German engineering and development compa-
bested entrants from both longtime Le Mans competitors
Porsche and Ferrari.
Production versions, like this car, were built along-
side the race versions, with features including a 5.7-liter
LS1 engine putting out 440 hp at 6,300 rpm, 14-inch
Details
Years Produced 1997–2001
Number Produced 20 (2 Speedsters)
Original List Price $228,000
CM Valuation $75,000–$80,000
Tune-up $500
Distributor Cap $25
Chassis # Driver's side dash at windshield
Engine # On engine pad surface, passenger's
side, front of block
Club
National Corvette Restorers Society
6291 Day Rd.
Cincinnati, OH 45252-1334
More www.ncrs.org
Alternatives
2010 Corvette Z06; 1987–90
Callaway Twin Turbo; 1990–95
Corvette ZR-1s
CM Investment
Grade C
Photos by Pawel Litwinski, courtesy Gooding & Company

Page 31

four-wheel disc brakes with ABS, Callaway-tuned suspension,
a carbon fiber/Kevlar/fiberglass body designed
by Paul Deutschman (of Sledgehammer and Aero-Body
fame), and a unique paint and interior scheme. It was
specially engineered to use 19-inch 25-series P-Zero
Pirellis, and was built between Callaway in Connecticut
and Callaway Competition in Leingarten, Germany,
where it gained full manufacturing status… think major
autobahn cruiser.
The C12 series was produced from 1997 to 2001, with
a total production of 20 cars. Lot 146 at Gooding was
#16, one of only two C12 Speedsters built, and it was the
only one with an automatic transmission. It carried a
list price of $228,000 in 1999.
But is it jinxed?
In an almost-Hitchcockian twist, this car has been
followed by a tale of ill fortune. First owner Callner died
a month after he bought the car, and the second owner,
a Mr. Kilkenny, died the same year he purchased it for a
reported $137,500. Corvette Mike Vietro bought the car
next and drove the Petersen Automotive Museum Rally
from Los Angeles to Quail Lodge in Carmel. When he
got there, he received a call that his father had just died.
Otis Chandler purchased the car through Vietro in
2002 for $115,000, and it remained in his collection until
he died in 2006. John O'Quinn, one of the world's great
automobile collectors, owned the car next, adding it to his amazing stable of 1,000
cars, where it stayed throughout the last six years of his life. He died in an automobile
accident in Houston in 2009.
But now there is a new chapter. Gooding consigned the car to the auction in
Arizona, where the successful bidder paid $85,250 all in to own it. He has already
contacted Callaway to register himself as the proud new owner. This C12 has averaged
only about 1,000 miles a year since new, so it should be ready for many more
years of enjoyment.
Huge money for huge performance
Callaway Cars Inc. has produced close to 1,000 specially modified, styled, and
tuned cars, most of which sit on original Corvette platforms.
Callaway claims the C12 package was designed and built to a standard rather than
to a cost, and anyone who has spent any time behind the wheel of one can attest to the
level of detail that went into it. With a top speed of around 188 mph and a 0–60 mph
time of around 4.7 seconds, it's a true supercar, and with both unique styling and extremely
limited numbers—especially when it comes to the roadster—it's as exclusive
and upmarket as you can get in a C5.
Many other Callaway Corvettes have either held their values or been on a slight
uptick in selling price—but they are bought, not sold, with potential owners generally
seeking them out. The few B2K Speedsters (1987–91) built have held at over $100,000
for many years, and the C16 third-series cars are now trading for close to $300,000.
So although this C12 roadster might be considered sold at a current market value,
as a one-off supercar offering both superb performance and exclusivity, I'd still call
it well bought. It is surely fully depreciated, yet has covered few miles, and it will offer
the new owner all of the excitement the original owner had, yet at barely more than
one-third the original cost. ■
www.corvettemarket.com WINTER 2010 Corvette Market 33

Page 32

C6 profile
by John L. Stein
A Selection of C6s that sold recently on eBay
2006 Daytona 500 Z06 Pace Car
The price was nearly 50% above the value of an ordinary used Z06, and
more even than a 2006 Z06 cost new, so I'm not quite sure what to say
Chassis number: 1G1YY2Y865100048
was used by Chevrolet solely for display purposes at the 2006 Daytona 500. This car
has not been used for any on-track activities.
Like nearly every one of the Heritage Collection cars, it will be sold on a salvage
T
title, and the buyer is responsible for ensuring that the vehicle complies with all applicable
laws and regulations prior to any sale or use of the vehicle on public roads.
CM Analysis This car sold for $72,600, including buyer's premium, at the 39th
Annual Barrett-Jackson Collector Car Auction in Scottsdale, Arizona,
on January 19, 2010.
Don't get me started on this, but the day you see me driving any Corvette with
pace car decals to Sunday brunch wearing a pair of Dockers and an NCRS shirt will
probably be, well, never, thank you. Quite simply, I find the entire marketing shtick
of selling pace car replicas—Indy, Daytona, or Gopher Hollow Raceway—as quite
possibly the apogee of bad taste and wanton pandering to wannabes.
The Corvette Z06 is a brilliant motorcar devised by a Warren, Michigan, brain
trust that makes any Mensa member look like the class dunce. And you are never going
to improve it—or your standing in any group of real car guys—with $59.95 worth of
vinyl stickers and some furtive story that it's one of 1,200 made.
If this analysis ended here I'd opine that the value of any Pace Car edition is
exactly the same as a comparable non-pace car model, minus the cost of removing the
decals. But that is not quite the case here, as the ex-Daytona 500 “Official Pace Z06”
selling for the righteous side of $70k at Barrett-Jackson was presented as the second
of three actual pace cars from that year.
Outfitted as noted above with most of the extras necessary to lead the field on its parade
and pace laps (and during caution periods) at Daytona, this particular example
34 Corvette Market WINTER 2010 www.corvettemarket.com
his 2006 Daytona 500 Corvette Z06 Pace Car is one of three identical Z06 Pace
Cars that were built to support the 2006 Daytona 500 race, and which carry a
unique paint scheme designed by the GM Design Staff for the Daytona 500 that
year. This Pace Car has been in the GM Heritage Collection since the event and
is not a replica at all, but the real thing. Unfortunately
for it, however, the car wasn't used on the track, but for
display purposes only.
Pace Car fame is fleeting
The appearance at Daytona changes my opinion
only minutely, because this car didn't have any meanDetails
Years Produced 2006
Number Produced 3
Original List Price $65,800 (2006 Z06)
CM Valuation $48,500–$54,000
Tune-up $500
Distributor Cap n/a
Chassis # Lower-left windshield corner
Engine # Pod forward of cylinder head on
right side
Club www.pacecarregistry.com
Alternatives
2007 Corvette Pace Car convertible;
2007 Corvette Ron Fellows Z06;
1995 Corvette Pace Car convertible
CM Investment
Grade B
Photos: Barrett-Jackson

Page 33

ingful role to play at the event, didn't pace the field, and didn't contribute to history.
(Ironically, its own engineering is both more powerful and more sophisticated than
the tube-framed, carbureted “throwbacks” the other Corvette Pace Car led around
the tri-oval.)
At its heart, this Corvette is just a standard-issue Z06 with a handful of bolt-on
extras installed, including a racing harness that's less convenient than the stock
three-point inertia belt, a booming Corsa exhaust that will make you wish you were
still at brunch, strobe connectors (the actual rooftop strobes removed), and a fire
extinguisher that, okay, we probably should all carry, just in case.
What this premium-priced Corvette lacks in active duty it makes up for in flamboy-
ant paintwork, which CM Executive Editor Paul Duchene fittingly jested “will make
you glad you're inside.” GM Design created the undoubtedly expensive treatment
from DuPont's line of Hot Hues colors, which includes such hallucinogenic shades as
“Amber Ecstasy” and “Hot Poppy.”
Salvage title probably not an issue
Of slightly less concern is this Corvette's salvage title, which under normal circum-
stances could detract from the value and make the vehicle more difficult to insure. As
a known Pace Car from GM's Heritage Collection, however, the situation is understandable
and probably will have no affect on value or usability over the long term.
In terms of value, if this Daytona Pace Car had been priced in keeping with any
other four-year-old Z06, I'd recommend the new owner peel off the decals (if possible),
ditch the racing harness, and enjoy the heck out of a great low-mileage used
car, smug in the knowledge that it had once enjoyed a brief but fairly meaningless
courtship with fame.
However, seeing as how the price paid was nearly 50% above the value of an ordinary
used Z06—and actually almost $7,000 more than a 2006 Z06 cost new—I'm not
quite sure what to say. From an end user/driver/private
enthusiast's point of view, either I've completely missed
the point, or someone else has.
But there is a caveat here. If this car is going to a mu-
seum that specializes either in Corvettes or in Daytona
500 artifacts, it could be considered fairly bought, as it
now has a commercial purpose. If it went to a collector
who has a Pace Car collection and needs this car to fill
out a royal flush, the price also makes sense; when you
need something very specific, you have to be prepared
to pay.
And as with all cars sold at no reserve, there is some
solace in knowing that if you “paid too much,” it was
only by one bid. ■
(Introductory description courtesy of Barrett-
Jackson.)
www.corvettemarket.com WINTER 2010 Corvette Market 35

Page 34

Market Report
Overview
Winter Corvette Sales Reflect
a Recovering Market
Most sales saw gradual growth in values, as well as more high-end
Corvettes with good histories and documentation
By Jim Pickering
of gradual growth in collectible Corvette values, and the
solid prices achieved for many consignments at locations
around the U.S. suggest that the market is rebounding—
at least for now.
Arizona in January is one of the most popular destina-
I
tions of the year for car guys, with several well-known
auctions in the area typically bringing some of the most
expensive and highest-profile cars seen annually. But
the biggest news in Arizona this year revolved around
weather rather than prices, as a massive storm descended
upon Scottsdale during the peak of the sales, bringing
high winds and heavy rain that hammered the auction
sites for the better part of two days. Russo and Steele was
hit hardest, with two of its 800-foot auction tents blowing
down onto the cars underneath, causing hundreds of
thousands of dollars in damage and closing the auction
site to the public for two days. As we go to press, Russo
and Steele has not yet released any official sales figures,
and coverage of the auction is not included in this issue.
Barrett-Jackson survived the storm without dam-
t's no secret the past two years have seen some of the
toughest collector car market conditions in recent
memory, but sales taking place during the closing
months of 2009 and the beginning of 2010 saw a trend
Top Ten Sales This Issue
1. 1967 Corvette 427/435 convertible,
$190,800—Lot S160, p. 54
2. 1967 Corvette 427/435 convertible,
$190,800—Lot S135, p. 54
3. 1960 Corvette 283/290 convertible,
$181,500—Lot 1263, p. 40
4. 1965 Corvette 327/365 convertible,
$170,500—Lot 1259, p. 42
5. 1955 Corvette 265/195 roadster,
$167,200—Lot 1332, p. 40
6. 1967 Corvette 427/435 convertible, $161,700—Lot 1267, p. 45
7. 1967 Corvette 427/435 convertible, $148,400—Lot S114, p. 54
8. 1969 Corvette Custom convertible, $143,000—Lot 1269.1, p. 46
9. 1967 Corvette 427/400 convertible, $137,500—Lot 1351, p. 45
10. 1963 Corvette 327/360 coupe, $121,900—Lot S134, p. 54
Best Buys
1. 1996 Corvette LT4 coupe,
$6,588—Lot 745, p. 68
2. 1969 Corvette 350/300 convertible,
$42,400—Lot S221.1, p.56
age, and it was again the king of the hill when it came
to Arizona Corvette totals—but it's also the most well
known of the group, thanks to live Speed Channel broadcasts
of the auction and over 1,000 consignments. Of the
1,193 cars available this year, 114 Corvettes were offered,
all at no reserve, selling for
a final total of $9.4m—down
from 2009's $9.8m achieved
for 127 cars, but with a higher average price of $82k vs.
last year's $77k. Mid-years were again a big draw here,
with big-block cars continuing to spearhead values,
but a new trend was the addition of late-model “instant
collectible” Special and Limited Edition C6s, which
brought hefty prices across the block. Executive Editor
Paul Duchene noted fewer late C3s and C4s than have
been seen here in the past, but in general, he found prices
holding strong, as evidenced by a 1958 custom convertible
that was the highest selling Corvette at $220k, a 1978
Indy Pace Car that made $52,800 (see the profile, p. 28),
and a 1960 Duntov Award-winning 283/290 fuelie convertible
that made $181,500.
Mecum's annual Kissimmee High Performance
Auction took place January 28–31 at Osceola Heritage
CM 1–6 Scale
Condition Rating:
1: National concours
standard/perfect
2: Very good, club
concours, some
small flaws
3: Average daily driver
in decent condition
4: Still a driver but with
some apparent
flaws
5: A nasty beast that
runs but has many
problems
6: Good only for parts
3. 1965 Corvette 327/375 convertible,
$83,600—Lot 1015, p. 44
4. 1968 Corvette 327/300 convertible,
$36,570—Lot S46, p. 62
5. 1963 Corvette 327/300 coupe,
$47,500—Lot 23A, p. 60
Park in Kissimmee, Florida, and Auction Analyst Dale
Novak was there to note 703 of 985 lots selling for a
grand total of $26.5m. Of the 147 Corvettes on offer,
119 sold, adding up to an 81% sell-through rate and a
combined total of $5.7m. Compared to 2009, where 86 of
153 cars brought $4.9m, this was a huge jump in totals,
and Novak found prices to be strong across the board,
with a pair of '67 427/435 convertibles tied for high sale
honors at $190,800 each.
While the market may still be in the midst of re-
adjusting itself, it seems that a certain degree of collector
confidence has returned, and although the values of
2006 and 2007 remain a dream for many, there is still
big money out there for the right cars in the right condition.
■
36 Corvette Market WINTER 2010 www.corvettemarket.com
Mecum Auctions

Page 36

Market
Report
Barrett-Jackson
Scottsdale, AZ
39th Annual Scottsdale Collector Car Auction
Corvette prices held steady, although lower-priced late C3s and C4s were
much fewer in numbers
Company
Barrett-Jackson
Date
January 18–24, 2010
Location
Scottsdale, Arizona
Auctioneers
Assiter & Associates—
Tom“Spanky”Assiter, lead
auctioneer
Overall cars sold/offered
1,193/1,193 (100%)
Sales total
$67,107,325
Corvettes sold/offered
114/114 (100%)
Corvette sales total
$9,368,540
Corvette high sale
1958 Corvette 350 convertible,
sold at $220,000
Not as many C4s crossed the block this year as in the past
Report by Paul Duchene, photos by Jim Pickering
Market opinions in italics
A
mid January's “storm of the century” in Arizona, Barrett-Jackson held steady,
increasing its sales total from 2009's $60m to $67m. This year, B-J sold 114
Corvettes for a total of $9.4m, down from $9.8m in 2009, although that total came
from 127 cars.
Barrett-Jackson also hosted the third Corvette Market Insider's Seminar, complete
with a seven-strong panel of experts, PowerPoint program, and 300 avid CM subscribers,
glad to get out of the rain into a warm, 60-foot tent.
At the auction, Corvette prices held strong, especially as 2010 only turned up a few
GM Heritage cars, which sold so well last year. Only two Corvettes topped $200,000—
the best-selling 1958 with a 350-ci engine at $220k, and a Limited Edition 2008, which
was bid right to $200k. However, in total, 24 Corvettes sold for more than $100,000 each.
What was interesting this year was how the
cars at the lower end of the market—wheezy
1970s C3s and 1980s C4s—were much fewer
in numbers. In their place was a very strong
showing of C2s, which, as expected, drew
some of the top prices. Big-block cars remain
expensive, with the 427/435 tri-powers in demand,
as always. The second strong group was
a surprising number of C5s and C6s, particularly
“instant collectible” Special Editions and
Pace Cars.
Speaking of, a never-sold 1978 Pace Car
with only 158 miles on it made $52,800, which
is likely to lead to a deluge of garage queens
at auction in the near future, held by owners
waiting for the big score (see the profile, p. 28).
38 Corvette Market WINTER 2010 www.vettemarket.com
Barrett-Jackson
Corvette Sales Total
$3m
$6m
$9m
$12m
$15m
0
2010
2009
2008
2007
2006
2005
2004
2003
Buyer's premium
10%, included in sold
prices, waived on charity
lots
Still, there are 6,501 other '78s out there to choose from,
so I doubt this is a trend. The well-bought category must
include the 1989 ZR-1 prototype that sold for $55k with
only 344 miles on the odometer. One of 84 examples that
was used for development and never sold to the public, it
represented a sound investment for its lucky buyer. See
the profile, p. 30.
As usual, the very best cars were grouped together
in the tent west of the big auction tent, often with chatty
and informed sellers nearby to answer any questions that
come up. Spotlessly clean, often with multiple NCRS,
Duntov, and Bloomingtion Gold awards, these C1s and
C2s drew serious buyers and big prices.
One of the most appealing was a 1960 Honduras
Maroon, two-top, 4-speed fuelie. A Duntov Award winner,
it had been in the same family for 20 years and had
been on the show circuit for seven. Now for sale only to pay
for serious eye surgery, it went for way over high book at
$181,500, but could still be considered well bought at that.
One trend that appears to be emerging is well-served
by attending long-term owners. While the very best fresh
restorations bring top dollar, buyers are much more leery
of restored cars that lack documents or history. In that
case, a well-represented original car, or one that's been repainted
during long-term ownership, is more likely to find
a buyer at the level the owner is hoping for. When it comes
to bringing top dollar, it's still all about provenance. ■

Page 38

Market
Report
C1
#956.2-1954 CHEVROLET CORVETTE
roadster. S/N E543003416. Polo White/tan
canvas/red vinyl. 235-ci 150-hp straight 6,
3x1-bbl, auto. California car with complete
paper from day one. Older restoration holding
up well. Good paint and plating, driver's seat
is getting baggy and carpet is stained. Nontypical
exhaust. Cond: 2. SOLD AT $74,800.
Reportedly not sold at $55k at Bonhams Quail
Barrett-Jackson
Scottsdale, AZ
Lodge in 2009. This was about as good as
these get, but compared to a '55 T-Bird, they
are very bare-bones indeed, and 3,640 of them
begged to get owners in 1954-55. The biggest
handicap is that the sentimental owners are
heading for assisted living and younger generations
are less than impressed. The '53s have
the cachet of being much rarer, and prices have
held up better. I suspect this was all the money.
Well sold.
TOP 10
#5
#1332-1955
CHEVROLET
CORVETTE roadster. S/N
VE55S001102. Yellow/green canvas/
tan vinyl. Odo: 45,737 miles. 265-ci 195-hp
V8, 4-bbl, 3-sp. Frame-off restoration of
claimed numbers-matching original California
car. Good panel fit, nice top, well-done interior.
Unmarked chrome, untypically tidy
under the hood. One of only about 80 3-speed
cars. Cond: 1-. SOLD AT $167,200. Yellow—
officially Harvest Gold—has been the hot color
for these cars for the past three or four years,
since nobody believes a black car hasn't been repainted.
This car benefited from a well-done fresh
restoration and from having the 3-speed manual
transmission. It blew through high CM Price
Guide by $45k, and was a decent deal at that.
#950.1-1956 CHEVROLET CORVETTE
convertible. S/N E56S002842. Black & silver/black
vinyl/red vinyl. Odo: 58,245 miles.
265-ci 225-hp V8, 2x4-bbl, auto. Decent
paint, chrome has some scratches. Hood fit
40 Corvette Market WINTER 2010 www.vettemarket.com
whitewall tires, new brakes, all rubber parts
replaced. Frame powder-coated, new glass,
suspension, and exhaust fitted. Cond: 2. SOLD
AT $88,000. Fundamentally a new car in a
very attractive color combination and with
usefully more power. It caught somebody's
eye and sold near high estimate for a correct
car. '58s aren't common anyway—this is one
of 9,168—and with the chrome tail pieces and
washboard hood, they have one-year styling
flourishes. Price was commensurate with the
quality of the work, and I say well bought.
TOP 10
#3
#1263-1960
CHEVROLET
CORVETTE convertible. S/N
00867S107757. Honduras Maroon &
white/white canvas & maroon hard top/black
vinyl. Odo: 1,264 miles. 283-ci 290-hp fuelinjected
V8, 4-sp. Numbers matching. One of
759 high-performance fuelies in 1960. Fitted
with power windows, Wonderbar radio, Posi,
and two tops. In the same family for 20 years,
with seven years on the show circuit. Skilfully
restored eight years ago, with engine blue
not typical, trunk not much better, chrome
window frames scraped. New interior, power
top has pinched a hole in material on left side.
Said to run and drive like new. Cond: 3. SOLD
AT $110,000. This car had an attractive color
combination, and it presented well initially, but
the details were disappointing—it felt like it
was assembled in a hurry. Desperately needed
a 4-speed to round out the package and make
the dual carbs worth having. Still, two people
wanted it badly enough that one paid $25,000
over high CM Price Guide. Very well sold.
#1037-1958 CHEVROLET CORVETTE
convertible. S/N J58S101798. Tuxedo Black
& silver/black vinyl/red vinyl. Odo: 42,853
miles. 327-ci 300-hp V8, 2x4-bbl, 4-sp.
Upgraded, fresh restoration of a California car.
283-ci engine replaced with a 327, 4-speed
rebuilt. Excellent paint and chrome, new Al
Knoch interior, rebuilt Wonderbar radio. Wide
printed to 8,500 rpm and powder-coated frame.
Seven NCRS Top Flight Awards and a Duntov
award in 2009. Beautifully presented. Cond:
1. SOLD AT $181,500. A superior car in all
respects, reluctantly offered by friendly and
informed long-term owner who is facing eye
surgery. Smacked through the high estimate by
$50k, and still well bought. A benchmark car.
#721-1961 CHEVROLET CORVETTE
convertible. S/N 10867S109023. Red & white/
white vinyl/red vinyl. Odo: 58,500 miles. 327ci
270-hp V8, 2x4-bbl, 4-sp. Paint newer but
just average, panel fit inconsistent. Underhood
not typical, with painted valve covers, carburetor,
intake, latch assemblies, etc. Overspray
on windshield wipers, no power steering or
power brakes. Wonderbar radio, pitting to door
chrome, old tires show some cracking. Mileage
claimed original, but no mention of matching
numbers. Cond: 3-. SOLD AT $73,700.
Appeared to have been on static display somewhere
after a quick cosmetic job. Either that or
it had just been spiffed up to sell. More stories
than a children's nanny. Mid-market money
and very well sold indeed.
#1339-1961 CHEVROLET CORVETTE
convertible. S/N 10867S104471. Sateen
Silver/black vinyl/black vinyl. Odo: 3,510
miles. 283-ci 315-hp fuel-injected V8, 4-sp.

Page 40

Market
Report
Barrett-Jackson
Scottsdale, AZ
Multiple NCRS and Duntov awards (he signed
the fuelie doghouse). County Corvette restoration
of exhaustively documented car, with
original sales receipt, Protect-O-Plate, all documents,
and a three-ring binder of restoration
photos and all records, including all owners'
phone numbers. Excellent paint, great panel
gaps, typical headlight cowl fit, nice chrome.
Cond: 1. SOLD AT $117,700. Mid-market
money for a car that seemed much better than
that. Hard to see how you could lose on this—it
should go like blazes and give the owner some
happy days. Well bought.
#989-1962 CHEVROLET CORVETTE
convertible. S/N 20867S109404. Roman Red/
white vinyl/red vinyl. 327-ci 340-hp V8, 4-bbl,
4-sp. Claimed matching-numbers car. 500
miles since restoration in 2003. New white soft
top, hard top included. Paint cracking around
hood, checking elsewhere, trunk fit off slightly.
belted tires. Cond: 2. SOLD AT $110,000.
This seemed to be correct in the details, but it
felt like a fresh restoration that will take some
fettling before being usable, unless it's heading
for a collection. There's really no substitute
for a well-maintained original driver, and the
further you get away from that, the more subtle
details you have to contend with. Very well sold
at significantly over market for a 300-hp car.
#422-1964 CHEVROLET CORVETTE
coupe. S/N 40837S108254. Riverside Red/
black vinyl. Odo: 75,318 miles. 327-ci 300-hp
V8, 4-bbl, auto. Extremely red paint, shiny
door jambs, some body seams visible, cracking
around headlights. Fitted with power steering,
power brakes, power windows, and a/c. 300
miles on restoration. Underhood restoration
not completely to factory specs, with chrome
original car with a decent freshening. Too bad
the owner wasn't there to fill in the back story
a bit, as his catalog notes were encouraging
but begged more questions. A Washington state
car, so no issues with salted roads. A lot of fun
in the right climate—dark blue/dark blue has
its limitations. Almost at my high estimate and
rightly so.
#1259.1-1964 CHEVROLET CORVETTE
convertible. S/N 40867S103363. Satin Silver/
white vinyl/red vinyl. Odo: 42,265 miles. 327ci
375-hp fuel-injected V8, 4-sp. Extremely
nice restoration of desirable claimed matchingnumbers
L84 roadster. Frame-off restoration
done in 2007 and 2008. Excellent paint, good
panel and headlight fit, correct underhood with
Wavy chrome around grille, other chrome OK.
Interior weathered, Wonderbar AM radio fitted.
Dual point ignition, original generator, correct
engine shields, new brakes. Cond: 3. SOLD
AT $74,800. With so few miles since the redo,
you couldn't blame use for some of the issues
here. It looked as though it might have been
a hasty job, and time had just taken its toll.
Mid-market money, so I'd say no harm done if
you're just going to drive it. If so, a fair deal.
C2
#1003-1963 CHEVROLET CORVETTE
coupe. S/N 30837S100084. Ermine White/
red vinyl. Odo: 189 miles. 327-ci 300-hp V8,
4-bbl, 4-sp. Fresh restoration with very shiny
paint and rechromed bumpers. Driver's door
fit off, passenger's side better. Reproduction
glass, front suspension appears extensively
shimmed. No power steering or power brakes,
ignition shields fitted. New Al Knoch interior,
alternator fitted. Original bumpers, Redline
tires. Numbers claimed to match. Cond: 3.
SOLD AT $41,800. This felt like a restoration
done without researching how the car should
look—maybe done to keep rather than to sell.
A usable low-power package with a/c and
Powerglide, and strictly a driver. How did it
look before the paint? Well sold, and perhaps
well bought by somebody looking for a stylish
daily driver.
#746-1964 CHEVROLET CORVETTE
coupe. S/N 40837S113527. Daytona Blue/blue
vinyl. Odo: 56,237 miles. 327-ci 365-hp V8,
4-bbl, 4-sp. Claimed matching-numbers car
with older repaint in original color. Original
dark blue interior, fenders radiused for wider
tires, good door fit and headlight fit. Originalstyle
Winters intake on solid-lifter engine.
AM/FM radio, nice interior and dash. Cond:
3. SOLD AT $53,900. Appeared to be a solid
elusive dimple in gutter. Fitted with knockoffs,
belted tires, and new interior. NCRS Top
Flight, Bloomington Gold, and Triple Crown
in 2008. Cond: 1. SOLD AT $110,000. Fresh
restoration of a sound original, and bid past
high CM Price Guide by $10k. Even at that,
it was a good deal for buyer and seller alike.
Once again, a knowledgeable owner on site is
a tremendous advantage.
TOP 10
#4
#1259-1965
CHEVROLET
CORVETTE convertible. S/N
194675S112529. Rally Red/white
vinyl/red & white vinyl. Odo: 27 miles. 327-ci
365-hp V8, 4-bbl, 4-sp. Frame-off restoration
of claimed numbers-matching car with rare
solid-lifter engine and a/c combination (one
of 133). Restored after 44 years with one NC
owner. NCRS Top Flight, Bloomington Gold,
and Triple Diamond awards. Excellent paint and
plating, good panel fit, nice interior. Cond: 1.
SOLD AT $170,500. A superb car, right down
to the details. Sold at double high book, but it
was hard to fault in any way. Again, one of those
instances where the sale was fair to both buyer
42 Corvette Market WINTER 2010 www.vettemarket.com

Page 42

Short Takes
A brief look at cars of interest that have passed
through the CM stable.
Market
Report
Barrett-Jackson
Scottsdale, AZ
is best.
2010 Chevrolet Corvette Grand
Sport convertible
and seller—if you want to buy the best, you have
to keep your paddle in the air. I doubt if there
were any regrets the next day, as nobody complains
that they paid too much for a right car.
Best Buy #1015-1965
CHEVROLET
Price as tested: $68,280
Likes: Aggressive body styling is based on
the current Z06 model and features styling
unique to the Grand Sport, which is the most
opulently appointed and powerful Corvette
convertible. LT4 Appearance Package envelops
the driver in high quality leather from the
dashboard and pillars to the duotone black and
gray seats. “Street,” “Track 1,” and “Track 2”
suspension modes as well as partial and complete
Traction Control and Active Suspension
disabling give a variety of handling characteristics
at the touch of a button. Head-up display
improved and integrated (in Street mode) with
the navigation system. Incredible power at
higher rpm coupled with exhaust cut-outs to
provide plenty of sound and fury when driven
in anger. Versatile electronic 6-speed “manumatic”
transmission shifts quickly and features
intuitive paddle controls on the steering
wheel. Roomy interior and a more spacious
trunk than one might expect.
Dislikes: Even in the most aggressive “Track
2” handling mode and with the Active Handling
system partially disabled (Competitive
Driving Mode), the new Grand Sport has a
heaviness about its handling that takes getting
used to. Not unlike prior high-performance
Corvettes, the Grand Sport's power band takes
some thinking to achieve and comes on more
abruptly than you expect. The car's navigation
and audio system (tested in this case with XM
satellite radio) seems dated and is difficult to
use thanks to odd overlapping menus and a
1990s GUI interface not in keeping with the
times. Lack of Bluetooth telephony integral
with this unit is almost unforgiveable.
Fun to drive:
Fun to look at:
Overall experience:
Verdict: More versatile for everyday use than
its 6-speed manual counterpart and as aggressive
in appearance as the Z06, with a top that
goes down, the brand-new, fully loaded Grand
Sport represents a serious value in the Grand
Touring marketplace. Its looks do not belie
its performance capabilities, and for the longterm
owner, getting used to its few quirks and
flaws isn't an insurmountable challenge.—
Chip Lamb
44 Corvette Market WINTER 2010 www.vettemarket.com
CORVETTE convertible. S/N 194675S118548.
Nassau Blue/black vinyl & blue hard top/black
leather. Odo: 46,134 miles. 327-ci 375-hp
fuel-injected V8, 4-sp. Oklahoma car with
claimed matching numbers, Protect-O-Plate,
and complete history and booklets. Fitted with
Posi, power steering, power brakes, AM/FM
radio, and leather with tilt/telescopic column
and teak wheel. The last year of the Rochester
tires. Sounds like a road trip is in order—mind
you, in dark blue with a black interior, you'd
better not wait until summer. Just a driver,
but priced near low CM Price Guide, so there
might be some money in the future if the new
owner can clean up that engine compartment.
#1361-1966 CHEVROLET CORVETTE
coupe. S/N 194376S126229. Milano Maroon/
black vinyl. Odo: 75,668 miles. 327-ci 350-hp
V8, 4-bbl, 4-sp. Claimed matching numbers
L79 with a/c, Kelsey-Hayes knockoff wheels,
teak wheel, and AM/FM radio. Excellent lacquer
paint, door gaps a bit wide, good plating.
Fitted with power steering but no power brakes.
fuelie. Sound 18-month restoration, body fit
nice, excellent chrome, headlights well fitted.
Not typical under hood and overall a little too
pretty. Cond: 1-. SOLD AT $83,600. Restoring
a Corvette is walking such a fine line, right
down to the right sloppy glue and door jambs
that aren't shiny. This car veered into the jewelry
department, but at the same time it was a terrific
color, had a painstaking restoration and a wonderful
package, and featured complete history.
In a couple of years it should develop the patina
it could have used here. Sold toward low CM
Price Guide, and I say rather well bought.
#966.2-1966 CHEVROLET CORVETTE
coupe. S/N 194376S120321. Laguna Blue/
black vinyl. Odo: 60,680 miles. 427-ci 425-hp
V8, 4-bbl, 4-sp. Rebuilt engine, recent repaint,
headlight bucket color off slightly. Evidence
of front end repairs in both wheelarches, but
good panel fit throughout. Rocker trim dinged,
original bumpers with some areas of thin
chrome. Equipped with AM/FM radio and
power windows, but no power brakes or power
steering. Looks like a black rattle can exploded
in engine compartment. New tires. Cond: 3.
SOLD AT $77,000. A freshly rebuilt big-block
and a good original color repaint with new
NCRS Top Flight award, 2nd in Class at Forest
Grove Concours. Comes with three-ring binder
of documents. Cond: 1-. SOLD AT $80,640.
A handsome car that really sparkled. I'd love
to know what what beat it at that Oregon
concours. Perhaps the best small-block combo
at the time, with a/c opening up a lot of good
Southwest roads in high summer. Blew through
high CM Price Guideby $8,200, and I still say it
was well bought.
#731-1966 CHEVROLET CORVETTE
convertible. S/N 194676S102909. Ermine
White/white vinyl/blue leather. Odo: 58,692
miles. 427-ci 390-hp V8, 4-bbl, 4-sp. Fresh
restoration of claimed numbers-matching car
with photos of the work, full records, and
ownership trail. Paint and chrome good, panel
fit average, nice interior in an unusual color.
Goldline tires. Cond: 1-. SOLD AT $73,700.
Mid-market money for a fresh car that doesn't
have an identity yet. Sometimes cars that are
straight out of the oven don't have any stories
to tell, rather like somebody who's gone
through plastic surgery. The only question is
what did they look like before they went under
the knife? The new owner will get to find out
when he drives it a bit. I think the jury's out
for now.

Page 43

#1263.1-1966 CHEVROLET CORVETTE
convertible. S/N 194676S109311. Silver
Pearl/black vinyl/black leather. Odo: 90,229.
427-ci 425-hp V8, 4-bbl, 4-sp. Recent twoyear,
frame-off restoration of claimed matching-numbers
car. Window sticker indicates it
sold new in Warren, Ohio, for $5,105. Decent
panel fit and paint, nice interior. NCRS Top
Flight award. Non-typically tidy under the
hood, unexplained dings on glovebox door
(little feet, perhaps). Goldline tires. Cond: 2-.
SOLD AT $99,000. Looked like a sound car
and probably restored nicer than the factory
built it, but it just did not pop. Price was midmarket
money and I'd say it was correct. Who
buys a Corvette that doesn't stir their blood?
#967.1-1967 CHEVROLET CORVETTE
convertible. S/N 194677S109014. Sunflower
Yellow/black vinyl/black vinyl. Odo: 30,746
miles. 327-ci 350-hp V8, 4-bbl, 4-sp. Onefamily
car that spent 28 years in a garage
before being subjected to a 4½-year, painstaking
frame-off restoration. Numbers claimed to
match, fitted with power steering and power
brakes. Huge file of documents, every detail attended
to. Entire car was dismantled, cleaned,
matching two-owner car, documented restoration
in 1988-89 to NCRS standards and with
three Top Flight awards (local and national)
since. AM/FM radio, power windows, Posi,
tinted glass. Excellent paint and chrome,
good top fit. Tidy and typical all around, and
was clearly looked after. Cond: 2+. SOLD
AT $57,200. Once again a chatty owner is
a real plus. This was not a high-horsepower
car, but it had been maintained, enjoyed, and
sympathetically restored. A Long Island car
that came a long way to find a new home, but
the new owner should be happy. Considering
the provenance, it was well bought.
TOP 10
#9
#1351-1967
CHEVROLET
CORVETTE convertible. S/N
194677S103111. Rally Red/black/
black vinyl. Odo: 18,046 miles. 427-ci 400-hp
V8, 3x2bbl, 4-sp. Numbers-matching, with correct-dated
replacement motor, Tri-Power, a/c,
power windows, power brakes, Positraction,
factory side exhaust, tilt/telescopic column,
speed warning, AM/FM radio, and tinted glass.
Tank sticker, three NCRS awards, complete
sidepipes and vinyl-covered hard top. Good
paint with some body seams visible, excellent
chrome and rubber seals. New interior, brakes,
exhaust, and belted tires, original tank sticker.
Hood stripe not typical of factory production.
Cond: 2. SOLD AT $74,800. Last seen at
Mecum's Kansas City sale in December '08,
where it failed to sell at $75k (CM# 119521).
Good solid restoration of what seemed to be
a good car—although with no power steering
or power brakes and a big-block, you'd want
to be in Texas or Montana. That said, the
price barely topped low book. Expert restorer
Kevin Mackay contends that dark green is the
absolute worst color for C2 and C3 Corvettes
and sellers take a big hit. Barring anything I
missed, this price supports his theory.
#439-1967 CHEVROLET CORVETTE
coupe. S/N 194377S100345. Marina Blue/
blue vinyl. Odo: 23,274 miles. 327-ci 300-hp
V8, 4-bbl, 4-sp. Claimed matching-numbers
car with factory sidepipes. Tasty repaint of
low-miles original. Good panel fit, chrome
and all trim replated or replaced. NCRS top
sandblasted, and repainted or replated. Tank
sticker, NCRS Top Flight award scoring 95.2,
with points deducted for too shiny paint and
plating. Cond: 2+. SOLD AT $88,000. A
charming example of what is becoming an
unfashionable approach—reimagining a tool
into a piece of jewelry. Hard to fault in everything
but its soul, which seemed to have been
excised. I'd love to have seen the 30,700-mile
always-garaged car they started with. This
was toward high CM Price Guide for this year
and model, but I'd suspect the original would
have done even better.
#724-1967 CHEVROLET CORVETTE
convertible. S/N 194677S104092. Marlboro
Maroon/black vinyl/black vinyl. Odo: 51,250
miles. 327-ci 300-hp V8, 4-bbl, 4-sp. Numbers-
documents. Just had painstaking $80k three-year
frame-off restoration by Corvette Specialties
in Oregon. Cond: 1. SOLD AT $137,500. A
well-known Northwest car, originally bought by
car dealer Ron Tonkin for his late wife. Highly
optioned, always maintained, and restored once
in 1988 and again just recently. Hard to fault,
and even fitted with $500 N.O.S. seatlbelts a
week before the sale. Sold slightly under high
CM Price Guide, but still well bought.
#1573.1-1967 CHEVROLET CORVETTE
convertible. S/N 194677S102204. Goodwood
Green & white/black vinyl/black vinyl. Odo:
67,704 miles. 427-ci 400-hp V8, 3x2-bbl, 4-sp.
Complete and fresh restoration of 67,000mile
L68 car with rebuilt non-original motor
and rebuilt transmission. No power steering
or power brakes, but equipped with factory
Flight winner in 1988, original window sticker
included in documentation. Front wheelarches
feel like they've been cut for wider tires.
Sold new in Oxford, PA. Cond: 2. SOLD AT
$66,000. A handsome, low-miles car with new
paint which sold for mid-market money. A real
head-turner, and should be pleasant to drive.
No harm done here, and both parties should
be pleased.
TOP 10
#6
#1267-1967
CHEVROLET
CORVETTE convertible. S/N
194677S110322. Marlboro Maroon &
black/black vinyl/black vinyl. Odo: 4,487 miles.
427-ci 435-hp V8, 3x2-bbl, 4-sp. Claimed matching-numbers
L71 Oregon car, with the same
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Market
Report
Barrett-Jackson
Scottsdale, AZ
owner for 27 years. Ground- up restoration in
2009. Fitted with sidepipes, Posi, AM/FM radio,
and Redline tires. Good panel and headlight fit,
excellent paint, interior, and chrome—clearly
restored with care. Underhood latches and paint
not typical, stripe not typical. SEMA display
car. Documentation includes tank sticker. Cond:
1. SOLD AT $161,700. Superior restoration of
what must have been a very good car to start off
with. Close to top money for this model, but it was
literally just a couple of details away from being
perfect. Well bought and sold.
C3
#757-1968 CHEVROLET CORVETTE
convertible. S/N 194678S426922. Safari
Yellow/black vinyl & yellow hard top/black
vinyl. Odo: 60,975 miles. 327-ci 350-hp V8,
4-bbl, 4-sp. Fresh restoration of a claimed
matching-numbers car. Good body fit, new
interior, new Rally wheels and T/A radials.
one-off gauge pack, and electronic hood. No
wipers, but comes with a/c, power windows,
and power rack-and-pinion steering. Cond: 1.
SOLD AT $143,000. Despite the price this car
brought, I'd venture to think the builder was
still upside down in it. It seemed like an automotive
Flying Dutchman, forced to travel from
show to show to be admired. It's hard to see
what other purpose it has. Brilliantly sold, and
I hope the next owner knows what to do with it.
#368-1969 CHEVROLET CORVETTE
coupe. S/N 194379S704408. Riverside Gold/
black vinyl. Odo: 425. 350-ci 350-hp V8,
4-bbl, 4-sp. C&K Classical Creations restoration
of what must have been a good car. Fitted
with power steering, power brakes, a/c, AM/
FM radio, original jack and spare, T-top storage
bags, tilt/telescopic column, and tinted
2+. SOLD AT $50,600. A fundamentally sound
car that was very well done and sold for close
to high book. The foggy back window was an
odd thing not to replace—maybe it was the one
used part intended to make the rest seem even
nicer. Buyer and seller should both be pleased.
#1377-1969 CHEVROLET CORVETTE
convertible. S/N 194679S721697. Cortez
Silver /black vinyl/black vinyl. 350-ci 350-hp
V8, 4-bbl, auto. Frame-on restoration includes
good repaint. Fully documented Kansas City
car, complete history and Protect-O-Plate.
Fitted with a/c, power steering, power brakes,
Rosewood steering wheel. Great color, and hard
top is a bonus, but paint has some detail issues.
Original Oklahoma car. No power steering or
power brakes. Cond: 2-. SOLD AT $39,600.
A very pretty car, but plainly equipped, except
for the hard top. Still, the freshness of the work
and the pretty color bumped it over the top.
Very near high CM Price Guide, yet still a good
deal for both parties here.
TOP 10
#8
#1269.1-1969
CORVETTE Custom convertible.
S/N
194679S736287.
CHEVROLET
Black/red
leather. 468-ci 500-hp fuel-injected V8, auto.
Outrageous custom with extremes in all directions.
22-inch wide rear wheels, 9-inch Ford
narrowed rear end, beautiful paint, custom
leather interior. Fitted with air-ride suspension,
enormous exhaust, Wilwood brakes,
46 Corvette Market WINTER 2010 www.vettemarket.com
glass. Paint a bit shiny but not splotchy, top
fits well, headlight fit excellent. Driver's door
glass scratched but door fit is tight. Nice repop
bumpers, hood latches typical of original production.
Fitted with Firestone Redline tires.
Cond: 2. SOLD AT $33,000. A great local
show winner and not overdone—the glass is
all that's left to fix. Looked to have been sympathetically
restored with some respect for the
original; should get a good patina over time
and turn into a very handsome usable car, and
isn't that where the fun is anyway? Well bought
at the low end of the scale.
#1372-1969 CHEVROLET CORVETTE
coupe. S/N 194379S700155. LeMans Blue/
blue vinyl. Odo: 77,607 miles. 427-ci 400-hp
V8, 3x2-bbl, 4-sp. Exhaustive restoration of
a claimed matching-numbers car with everything
rebuilt and mirrors to display the chassis.
Fitted with power steering, power brakes, AM/
FM radio, and all new rubber, wiring, suspension,
brakes, and exhaust. Excellent paint with
body seams visible, well-done interior. Rear
window foggy, new Redline tires fitted. Cond:
power windows, AM/FM radio, Posi, and factory
hard top. Documentation includes tank
sticker. Detailed engine compartment appears
typical of factory production. Cond: 1-. SOLD
AT $42,900. Useful driver configuration, and
the factory hard top is a nice plus. Mid-money
for a low-horsepower car, but I suspect that
it might have done better if it hadn't been
repainted and merely offered for sale as an
original car.
#669.1-1969 CHEVROLET CORVETTE
Custom coupe. S/N 194379S734629. Viper
Blue & white/black vinyl. Odo: 7,005 miles.
350-ci 350-hp V8, 4-bbl, auto. Looks like a
“Corvette Summer” 1970s custom with big
flares, big hood bulge, fender vents, late '60s
Pontiac Firebird tailights, spoilers on both

Page 46

Market
Report
Barrett-Jackson
Scottsdale, AZ
ends, and fixed square headlights. Fitted with
a/c, power steering, power brakes, and tilt/
telescopic column. Decent paint and chrome,
sidepipes look like they'll burn you on exit.
Cond: 3-. SOLD AT $21,450. This is a fate
that threatened a lot of cars like this, whose
owners were taking shop in high school around
1980. Some of the work was quite well done,
but it's all pointless when it comes to value.
Very well sold.
#754-1969 CHEVROLET CORVETTE
convertible. S/N 194679S715499. Riverside
Gold/black canvas/black vinyl. Odo: 6,393
miles. 427-ci 390-hp V8, 4-bbl, 4-sp. 1,000
miles since repaint and rebuild of a claimed
matching-numbers car. Paint untypically shiny
but very even. Good panel fit, decent interior
with AM/FM radio. Clock does not work.
Pitted trim, bumpers checked, new top. Belted
Firestone tires. Cond: 3. SOLD AT $48,400.
Last seen at Mecum's Indy sale in May '08,
where it sold at $35,175 (CM# 116885). Rather
a nice old car which felt like it had been looked
after, sympathetically rebuilt, and fluffed and
buffed. At least two other people agreed, and it
made nearly high CM Price Guide. I'll bet it'll
have a lot more miles on it by next fall.
#644-1978 CHEVROLET CORVETTE
coupe. S/N 1Z8748S424917. Silver/black
alligator. Odo: 89 miles. 350-ci 330-hp fuel-injected
V8, auto. Texas car with 1995 LT1 powertrain
transplant, although rated horsepower
suggests some LT4 upgrades. Fitted with rackand-pinion
power steering, power brakes, a/c,
All appropriate documents come with car,
including factory window sticker for $14,500
at Sunderland Chevrolet, Lemoyne, PA. Cond:
1. SOLD AT $52,800. Of all the 6,502 1978
Indy Pace Cars made, this would be the one to
have. It has the 4-speed, which is uncommon,
as well as the hotter L82 engine. Every sale
usually has one or two of these, and this price
is bound to shake hundreds of ambitious sellers
out of the trees. Beyond well sold—I hope the
consignor didn't have a heart attack. See the
profile, p. 28.
C4
#643-1984 CHEVROLET CORVETTE
coupe. S/N 1G1AY0789E5149180. Bright
Red/red leather. Odo: 10,659 miles. 350-ci
205-hp fuel-injected V8, auto. Original 1984
Cross-Fire injection car. Always garaged,
never seen a wet road, title still in original
owner's name. All stickers and dealer paperwork,
even sits on its original tires (yikes!).
front and rear cameras, and spoiler. Features
usual varied T-top fit, typical paint issues
include orange peel and metallic splotches.
Cond: 3. SOLD AT $13,200. A labor of love to
produce a very usable C3 driver. The alligator
interior was over the top, but it IS from Texas,
after all. Bound to be lots of fun, and with 100
hp more than stock, you're going to surprise
some folks. Cheap fun and well bought.
48 Corvette Market WINTER 2010 www.vettemarket.com
Paint has polishing swirls, interior unworn, no
bangs, chips, or scrapes anywhere. Cond: 2.
SOLD AT $20,900. I figured this might cross
$10k, and it went twice that far. So what will
the new owner do with it? He's not going to
rush out and drive it, with a wheezy 205 hp.
Maybe the new owner was a collector only
lacking this year? Very well sold.
inside along with battery cover panel. ZR-1
badges missing. Seats fairly clean with little
wear, but clearly a victim of lengthy warehouse
neglect. Probably hasn't seen the sun in 20
years. Cond: 4. SOLD AT $55,000. Quite a
find, as most of these were used up, destroyed,
or went to Europe for the same fate. Sold out of
the GM Heritage Collection. Scruffy and dirty,
but real history, and unlikely to sell for less in
future. Not cheap, but I say well bought. See the
profile, p. 30.
#1215.2-1990 CHEVROLET CORVETTE
ZR-1 coupe. S/N 1G1YZ23J9L5802829.
Bright Red/red leather. Odo: 5,074 miles. 350ci
375-hp fuel-injected V8, 6-sp. First year
ZR-1 that's spent its whole life snoozing in
collections, including that of Keith Busse of
Ft Wayne, IN. All papers including window
#1066-1978 CHEVROLET CORVETTE
Indy Pace Car Edition coupe. S/N
1Z8748S901019. Black & silver/silver leather.
Odo: 158 miles. 350-ci 220-hp V8, 4-bbl, 4-sp.
Still a new car, in the hands of the original
selling dealer until quite recently. All options
fitted, Pace Car decals never applied. Some
scrapes on nose, presumably from transport.
#612-1987 CHEVROLET CORVETTE
convertible. S/N 1G1YY3182H5116373.
Medium Blue/white vinyl/blue leather. Odo:
39,135 miles. 350-ci 240-hp fuel-injected V8,
auto. Decent paint and nice interior show wear
commensurate with mileage. Fitted with a/c,
power steering, power windows, and power
brakes. Includes original window sticker,
handbooks, etc. Cond: 3. SOLD AT $9,900.
All the C4s seemed to go to Silver this year,
and this was one of few at Barrett-Jackson.
They're in the doldrums right now—just used
cars without any foreseeable upside. This was
all the money, probably helped by the low
mileage. Might as well use it as a daily driver
until something expensive happens or you have
difficulty getting in and out.
#85-1989 CHEVROLET CORVETTE
ZR-1 coupe. S/N 1G1YZ21J4K580004. Black/
tan cloth. Odo: 344. 350-ci 375-hp fuel-injected
V8, 6-sp. ZR-1 prototype. One of 84 press
cars, none of which sold to the public. Paint
chipped and scraped, bodywork cracked at tail.
Mismatched C6 wheels on front, correct ones

Page 47

sticker, minimal wear in every respect. Just
enough miles to ensure that everything should
still work. Cond: 1-. SOLD AT $38,500. Last
seen at Mecum's Indianapolis sale in May
'09, where it failed to sell at $27,500 (CM#
120524). Finally a glimmer of hope for the
legions of ZR-1 believers, who have watched
their babies skidding year by year. Only last
summer, Motor Trend and Hot Rod Publisher
Robert Petersen's car, which was nicer and
had only 1,318 miles on it, was a no-sale at
Gooding's Pebble Beach auction at $32,000
(CM# 141208). One swallow doesn't make a
summer, but this is a start.
C6
#77-2006 CHEVROLET CORVETTE
Z06 Daytona Pace Car #2 coupe. S/N
1G1YY25Y865100048. Red, orange, yellow,
& blue/black & gray leather. 7.0-L 505-hp
fuel-injected V8, 6-sp. As-new, number two
of three Daytona 500 Pace cars in 2006. Fitted
with racing harness, fire extinguisher, strobe
victories in American Le Mans racing. One of
125 and the first of 24 black coupes. Z51 performance
package, NPP performance exhaust.
Signed by Olivier Beretta, Oliver Gavin and
Marcel Fassler—the #4 car drivers at the 2009
Sebring race. As-new. Cond: 1. SOLD AT
$66,000. Another instant collectible, preceded
by lot 1064, which was one of seven black GT1
convertibles, signed by the same drivers and
also sold for $66k. What are they worth? Hard
to say, but I bet the new owners will be sitting
on them for a long time before there's any
upside. I'd be inclined to drive either one and
enjoy the conversations.
#429-2009 CHEVROLET CORVETTE
Limited Edition coupe. S/N 1G1YY25W595112774.
White & gray/black & gray leather. 6.2-L
430-hp fuel-injected V8, 6-sp. As new. Super
Sport package, head-up display. The fourth of
72 built, and the first of 13 in white. “Jake” and
“CSR” logos on B-pillar, headrest, and center
armrest, racing pedals from GCA. Interior
has titanium embroidery, engine cover has a
carbon pattern with red letters. Said to be designed
for the Corvette purist. Cond: 1. SOLD
AT $83,600. Another instant collectible,
cranked out cynically as GM was staring into
the abyss. Just drive it—it goes like blazes, and
when it changes hands for the third or fourth
time 20 years from now, some lucky buyer will
turn to his wife and say “You know what this
car IS?!”■
connections in rear, and Corsa exhaust. GM
Heritage car with disclaimer stating no street
use and no warranty. Outrageous paint scheme
will make you glad you're inside. Cond: 1.
SOLD AT $72,600. The Daytona 500 is a big
deal to NASCAR fans and this was basically a
new car, though expensive. Certainly a conversation
piece and wasn't just a static display. I
see sunny days in the buyer's future. Go win
some local shows and enjoy it. See the profile,
p. 34.
Special
#1065-2009 CHEVROLET CORVETTE
Edition
coupe.
S/N
1G1YG26W195400003. Black, yellow, &
silver/black leather. 6.2-L 430-hp fuel-injected
V8, auto. GT1 Special Edition celebrating 70
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Market
Report
Mecum Auctions
Kissimmee, FL
Kissimmee High Performance Auction
The crowds came to admire the great collection consigned by the
Hammack brothers, including a very nice 427/435 that made $191k
Company
Mecum Auctions
Date
January 28–31, 2010
Location
Kissimmee, Florida
Auctioneers
Mark Delzell, Jimmy
Landis, Mike Hagerman,
Bob McGlothlen & Matt
Moravec
Overall cars sold/offered
703/985 (71%)
Sales total
$26,495,556
Corvettes sold/offered
119/147 (80%)
Corvette sales total
$5,689,030
Corvette high sale
Mecum's Kissimmee results indicated the market is gaining strength
Report and photos by Dale Novak
Market opinions in italics
D
uring four fair-weather days from January 28 to 31 at the Mecum auction held at
the Osceola Heritage Park in Kissimmee, Florida, I perhaps witnessed the “perfect
storm” for a classic car auction (a very different type of storm from the one Russo
endured in Scottsdale). Mecum offered a great collection of no-reserve cars, which
were combined with a large field of all sorts of machines—muscle cars and mid-1950s
cruisers and convertibles, quirky collectibles that can be found at most larger auctions,
and of course, plenty of Corvettes, with nearly 150 available in nearly every year and
configuration.
Unlike the week before in Scottsdale, the weather here was rather comfortable,
although it was fairly chilly on Saturday and downright blustery on Sunday. If there
was lingering doubt among those attending about how the moody economy might affect
the auction, it was rapidly quelled when the first few cars began to cross the block.
Buyers came prepared to buy, and sellers came
prepared to sell—but if you came expecting a
sea of bargains and fire sales, you came to the
wrong auction.
The crowds came in droves to peruse the
extraordinary collection consigned by brothers
Glenn and Irv Hammack, consisting of over 50
American cars from the 1950s, '60s, and '70s.
Plus, visitors came to view the incredible 1966
Riva Super Aquarama Series II Prototype boat,
which sold at $821,500—the high sale of the auction
by a wide margin.
The top sale on the Corvette front was tied
between a pair of 1967 427/435 cars, one of which
was the famed Bloomington Gold Survivor
Platform convertible. Complete with cracked
original exterior paint and rough original engine
50 Corvette Market WINTER 2010 www.vettemarket.com
$1m
$2m
$3m
$4m
$5m
$6m
$7m
$8m
0
Mecum Kissimmee
Corvette Sales Total
2010
2009
2008
2007
2006
2005
2004
2003
Two 1967 427/435
convertibles, each sold at
$190,800
Buyer's premium
compartment details, it
made a statement when
it was hammered sold at
$190,800, solidifying the argument for leaving original
cars alone. The other 427/435 car, from the Hammack
Collection, showed only 51,670 miles on the odometer,
had full documentation from new, and had previously
been owned by Brad Whitford of Aerosmith. In #1- condition,
it was both well bought and sold.
Other notable sales included a 1963 327/360 fuelie
$300 up to $5,499, $500
from $5,500 to $9,999, 6%
thereafter, included in
sold prices
coupe in #2+ condition that made $121,900, a claimed
“Brass Hat” 1967 427/435 convertible that brought
$148,400, and a 1965 327/250 convertible in black with
a/c and a 4-speed that sold for an over-the-top $80,560.
This year's event was expanded to four days to
accommodate the overwhelming pre-sale interest.
Attendance was very strong, with a combined 29,000
bidders and spectators packing the house, and the general
sell-through rate rose dramatically to 71% from last
year's 58%, with 703 of 985 lots selling for a gross total
of $26.5m, vs. $16.5m last year—a 62% increase in dollar
volume. Corvette sales reflected the same jump, with
119 of 147 cars selling for $5.7m this year as compared to
86 of 153 selling for $4.9m in 2009. If someone had told
me we were in the midst of a great recession, I would
have suggested that the bidders and spectators did not
receive the memo—and considering the state of the
market over the past two years, it was quite refreshing
to see. ■

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Market
Report
C1
#F33.1-1957 CHEVROLET CORVETTE
convertible. S/N E57S100131. Aztec Copper
& beige/tan vinyl/ivory vinyl. Odo: 96,382
miles. 283-ci V8, 4-bbl, auto. Multiple paint
issues, some blending that gives the finish an
almost psychedelic look. Body has wavy panels
and inconsistent gaps at driver's door and
trunk lid. Rough interior features aftermarket
gauges in place of factory units. Door panels
coming off, worn “canvas” used as carpet.
Mecum Auctions
Kissimmee, FL
sports cars. All things considered, this was a
strong result. Well sold.
#F182-1959 CHEVROLET CORVETTE
convertible. S/N J59S101243. Red & white/
white vinyl/red leather. Odo: 740 miles. 283-ci
V8, 4-bbl, auto. Some minor issues noted in
average respray, showing microblistering and
several cracks. Driver's door slightly wide at
top, trunk high at rear, passenger's door out.
Chrome and brightwork generally decent, nice
interior is mostly new. Stewart-Warner gauges
installed. Repaired frame noted. Cond: 3+.
#S105-1962 CHEVROLET CORVETTE
convertible. S/N 20867S100585. Silver/black
vinyl/red vinyl. Odo: 71,510 miles. 327-ci
360-hp fuel-injected V8, 4-sp. Documented
three-owner car. Shinier than original paint.
Passenger's door wide at quarter panel, driver's
door wide at fender. Show-quality chrome
and trim, excellent top fit. Non-original engine
Engine compartment worn and oxidized. Cond:
5. NOT SOLD AT $40,000. What caught my
attention with this car was the copper color,
known as Aztec Copper; 452 left the factory as
such. I was quickly punished for my inquisitive
nature upon closer inspection, as this was definitely
in the fright-pig category. There wasn't
much good here, with the exception that it was
a 1957. A decent bid on what was really just a
total project.
#F175-1959 CHEVROLET CORVETTE
convertible. S/N J59S102085. Red & white/
white vinyl/red vinyl. Odo: 9,434 miles. 283ci
V8, 4-bbl, auto. Body damage possible to
front end, with some repaired fiberglass found.
Smooth shiny paint, trunk high on passenger's
side, hood skewed. Very good interior,
but seats are a bit baggy. Nice bumpers, trim
good but not to show condition. Claimed to
SOLD AT $58,300. The seller noted on the car
card that this was “built for the wife to drive.”
Although that may have been true, he probably
knocked out three-quarters of the bidders with
that comment, since nobody wants to be the
guy who buys the Corvette “built for the wife to
drive.” That said, the frame repair noted was
perhaps a very serious lurking issue, as it may
need to be addressed in the near future in order
to prevent the body from cracking. Take it easy
over those railroad tracks. Well sold.
#F277-1961 CHEVROLET CORVETTE
convertible. S/N 10867S102287. Red &
white/white vinyl/black vinyl. Odo: 59,094
miles. 283-ci 250-hp V8, 4-bbl, 4-sp. Good
paint throughout, but seams are starting to
show through at nose. Driver's door slightly
high, trunk a tad low at rear, top fit is somewhat
loose. Driver-quality chrome and trim show
relatively well. Decent interior, dash correct
presumed, and engine bay could use a detailing.
Excellent interior comes across nearly asnew.
Cond: 2+. SOLD AT $100,700. A 1962
fuelie will always be a desirable car for collectors,
so the result here was really no surprise.
This could be a number one car with very little
effort, as all of the hard and expensive stuff
was already done. Just a details exercise at this
stage. A market-correct result.
#S204-1962 CHEVROLET CORVETTE
convertible. S/N 20867S111826. Honduras
Maroon/black vinyl/black vinyl. Odo: 31,118
miles. 327-ci 350-hp V8, 4-bbl, 4-sp. Stated
to have original miles and only two owners.
Originally white. Inexpensive-looking maroon
paint job over original body panels. Passenger's
door out, other gaps relatively consistent.
Weathered engine bay, interior very well worn
have been restored about ten years ago, lots of
new bits and pieces fitted. Cond: 3. SOLD AT
$63,600. Overall, this was a good looking red
'59, but the paint was just too shiny, with lots
of clear coat used. The automatic can be a deal
killer, but I'm hearing more and more guys tell
me that they have a hard time shifting their old
52 Corvette Market WINTER 2010 www.vettemarket.com
but not fresh. Non-original shifter noted, kick
panels heavily scratched, odd floor mats installed.
Clean engine bay in good overall shape.
Cond: 3+. SOLD AT $53,000. This car's body
was in great condition and the paint was just
about right—not too shiny or too dull. It would
make an excellent driver as-is, or it could go
up a notch with some additional detailing and
some minor issues taken care of. Well bought.
for stated miles. Aftermarket seat belts, Cragar
wheels, and radio installed, factory hubcaps
come with car. Claimed to be numbers matching.
Cond: 4-. SOLD AT $50,350. The current
owner was the one to change the color from
white to Honduras Maroon, which occurred in
1980. Cars like this are bought by a guy who
thinks he'll just drive it, but eventually it'll
wear on him and he'll start sinking money into
it. That said, it was numbers matching with
very low original miles, and the hard top is
worth about $4,000 on its own. Close to market
correct with the advantage to the seller.

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C2
TOP 10
#10
#S134-1963
CORVETTE
CHEVROLET
coupe.
S/N
30837S117609. Saddle/saddle leather.
Odo: 50,200 miles. 327-ci 360-hp fuel-injected
V8, 4-sp. Equipped with power windows. Light
buffing burn on windshield trim, some light
scratches noted on bumpers, glass door felts
slightly weathered and coming loose. Paint just
#F17-1963 CHEVROLET CORVETTE
convertible. S/N 30867S117101. Blue/black
vinyl/dark blue vinyl. Odo: 54,114 miles.
327-ci 300-hp V8, 4-bbl, 4-sp. Decent paint,
average trim and brightwork with only light
scratches noted. Hood wide on driver's side,
driver's door tight to quarter. Carpet somewhat
faded, balance of interior looks used but not
abused. Knockoffs look authentic, but were
result. Both buyer and seller should go home
happy.
#S106-1965 CHEVROLET CORVETTE
convertible. S/N 194675S117503. Red/white
vinyl/white vinyl. Odo: 52,890 miles. 396-ci
425-hp V8, 4-bbl, 4-sp. Small cracks showing
in paint, passenger's door in from body, other
gaps good. Good to excellent chrome and trim,
engine compartment clean aside from some
fuel staining on intake manifold. Likely the
a notch below show, with small nick in rear
deck. Excellent gaps all around, interior hard
to fault aside from some very minor wear. No
mention of whether the numbers match. Cond:
2+. SOLD AT $121,900. A Split-Window fuelie
is another “cream of the crop” type Corvette,
and this example was excellent in most regards.
Other than some minor wear and a bit of aging,
it was excellent all around. I'd call this price
market correct, if perhaps just a tad on the well
sold side. See the profile, p. 26.
#S112-1963 CHEVROLET CORVETTE
convertible. S/N 30867S106242. Red/white
vinyl/black vinyl. Odo: 51,577 miles. 327-ci
360-hp fuel-injected V8, 4-sp. Smooth shiny
paint. Passenger's door tight to fender and sits
in a bit. Convertible top nice but no longer
super fresh, and is separating in rear window
area. Trim somewhat weathered in spots, engine
bay shows some age and use but is still
likely a later addition due to problems with
porous castings in '63. Overall, a good driver.
Claimed to be numbers matching, comes with
hard top. Cond: 3-. SOLD AT $42,400. This
came across as a very honest Corvette with
nothing to hide. It looked to be well used and
enjoyed, and you can't fault a guy for actually
driving the car. Condition-wise, a decent driver,
but it won't win any shows beyond the local
cruise-in. It's hard to find numbers-matching
C2s under $40k that aren't beat to death, and
this one wasn't. About market correct based on
the presentation.
#S102-1964 CHEVROLET CORVETTE
coupe. S/N 40837S113888. White/black vinyl.
Odo: 1,113 miles. 327-ci 365-hp V8, 4-bbl,
4-sp. Passenger's door in at bottom, driver's
door out at rear quarter. Engine bay neat and
tidy, but with some rust on engine manifolds.
Excellent interior in fine condition overall.
Rear end has an odd sag from one side to the
recipient of an older restoration. Claimed to
be numbers matching. Cond: 2-. SOLD AT
$84,800. Where have all the white interiors
gone on modern cars? 1965 was the first year
for the big-block Corvette, and it was the only
year that offered both big-blocks and fuel
injection. To this day, guys will argue about
whether the 396 or 427 was the hotter engine
for the C2 series, but we can just let the track
decide that. Slightly well bought.
#S107-1965 CHEVROLET CORVETTE
convertible. S/N 194675S118181. Black/
black vinyl/black vinyl. Odo: 80,486 miles.
327-ci 250-hp V8, 4-bbl, 4-sp. Paint with swirl
marks showing, some microscratching visible
on chrome and trim. Both doors out at bottom,
other gaps typical of C2 production. Engine bay
very nice to excellent, with some fuel staining
present. Documentation includes Protect-OPlate.
Fitted with optional a/c, tinted glass,
power windows, 3.36 Posi, AM/FM radio,
Comfort and Convenience group, and knockoff
alloys. Numbers claimed to match. Cond:
2+. SOLD AT $80,560. Last seen at Mecum's
Des Moines auction in July '09, where it sold
for $54,590 (CM# 130664). Corvette bodies
are naturally wavy, and black is notorious for
showing every flaw, but this one looked good.
clean. Interior excellent, with only minor wear
and aging noted. NCRS Top Flight recipient.
Cond: 2-. SOLD AT $95,400. A claimed numbers-matching
example with owner history and
documents going back to day one. Although it
wasn't in the most stellar condition, this was a
great car nevertheless, and the price paid was
spot-on market correct. Both buyer and seller
should walk away happy.
other. Deep scratch in rear glass. A nice honest
presentation. Numbers claimed to match.
Cond: 2-. SOLD AT $53,000. '64s have long
been the least desirable of all the mid-year
Corvettes due to their drum brakes and plainJane
looks (if you can say that about any C2).
I find them to just be more affordable, as you
get the same styling and even some high-horse
models, like the 365 solid-lifter powerplant
offered here. Another spot-on market correct
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Market
Report
Mecum Auctions
Kissimmee, FL
The 250-horse engine might not fire that many
guys up, but heck, it's a black '65 with a/c and
a 4-speed. Mecum's Kissimmee Auction was
loaded with active Corvette buyers, but even
so, this was big money for a 250-horse smallblock
car. Two guys wanted it pretty badly. Well
sold.
#F164-1965 CHEVROLET CORVETTE
coupe. S/N 194375S100110. Blue/blue
vinyl. Odo: 90,436 miles. 327-ci 300-hp V8,
4-bbl, 4-sp. Nice paint with some small nicks
and some lifting in areas. Knockoffs lightly
oxidized, chrome and trim shows light pitting.
Driver's door a tad high to roofline, hood
slightly tight to cowl, headlamp bucket on passenger's
side slightly wide. Very tidy and clean
interior, with only some sun fading to carpet.
Corvette with a great look. This auction produced
some good results and this was another
example of that. Market correct and both buyer
and seller should be pleased.
TOP 10
#1
#S160-1967
CHEVROLET
CORVETTE convertible. S/N N/A.
Marlboro Maroon & black/black
vinyl. 427-ci 435-hp V8, 3x2-bbl, 4-sp. The
Bloomington Gold Survivor Platform car.
Options include sidepipes, hard top, and bolton
aluminum wheels. Original paint cracked
and checked, chrome untouched, engine
compartment shows aging. Documentation
includes Protect-O-Plate, tank sticker, and inspection
sheet. Cond: 3. SOLD AT $190,800.
sold at no reserve. The 1967 435-horse Corvette
is the king of the hill for Corvette enthusiasts
and collectors, and this one was fully documented
from new. Both well bought and sold.
TOP 10
#7
#S114-1967
CHEVROLET
CORVETTE convertible. S/N
194677S115888. Red & white/white
vinyl/red leather. Odo: 29,664 miles. 427-ci
435-hp V8, 3x2-bbl, 4-sp. Excellent gaps all
around, Paint work shows well, but hood stripe
taper is not typical of factory production and
there are some very small areas of microblistering.
Wheels have some minor blemishes, window
vent trim lightly pitted, other trim decent
but not in show condition. Interior excellent,
Photo courtesy of Mecum Auctions
Powder-coated frame, a/c added with modern
serpentine belt system. Claimed to be numbers
matching. Cond: 2-. NOT SOLD AT $58,000.
The modern serpentine belt system was no big
deal here, as the original parts came with the
car, and if a new owner was so inclined, he
could change it back to original without too
much trouble. This was a nice honest presentation
of a high-quality driver with a/c, but the
seller was holding on for a bit more than this
market-correct bid.
#S113-1966 CHEVROLET CORVETTE
convertible. S/N 194676S109675. Blue/
white vinyl/blue vinyl. Odo: 57,867 miles.
427-ci 390-hp V8, 4-bbl, 4-sp. Equipped
with telescopic steering column, knockoffs,
and Goldline tires. Paint excellent with very
few flaws, aside from several small chips.
Convertible boot slightly wide, passenger's
door out from body. Window vent pitted, some
rubber weatherstripping cracked. Steering
wheel lightly pitted, carpet slightly faded.
Engine bay clean and tidy. Numbers claimed to
match. Cond: 2. SOLD AT $85,860. A lovely
In 1989, David Burroughs registered a trademark
on the term “Survivor,” and this car
was his prototype for establishing standards
on what would become Bloomington Survivor
Certification. To be a Survivor, a Corvette has
to be at least 20 years old, must be road course
tested, remain over 50% unaltered, and the
finishes must be over 50% original and serve
as a template for restoration. This car was very
special in its originality, and with unaltered
cars now the hot ticket in the Corvette world,
it's hard to argue with the price paid.
TOP 10
#2
#S135-1967
CHEVROLET
CORVETTE convertible. S/N
194677S108960. Yellow & black/black
vinyl/black leather. Odo: 51,670 miles. 427-ci
435-hp V8, 3x2-bbl, 4-sp. Nice paint, some light
scratches and blemishes noted in trim. Light
wear noted to seats, balance of interior excellent.
Nice engine bay—not over-restored, but no
longer super fresh. Numbers matching, former
Triple Crown winner. Formerly owned by Brad
Whitford of Aerosmith fame. In tip-top shape
all around. Cond: 1-. SOLD AT $190,800. One
of the many Hammack Collection Corvettes on
offer, and like all of the Hammack cars, it was
engine bay looks good but is below the conditional
range of the balance of the car. Cond:
2-. SOLD AT $148,400. Last seen at Mecum's
Rockford, IL, sale in May '05, where it was a
no-sale at $150,000 (CM# 38316). Seen before
then at Mecum's Bloomington Gold sale in
June '04, where it brought $110,000 (CM#
34239). Believed to be a special order “Brass
Hat” car, reserved for GM executives, celebrities,
or special circumstances. There was no
documentation offered to back up the claim,
but even so, this was still a great big-block car
in iconic colors. Market correct for condition.
C3
#F21-1968 CHEVROLET CORVETTE
convertible. S/N 194678S400811. Dark green/
white vinyl/black vinyl. Odo: 65,996 miles.
427-ci 390-hp V8, 4-bbl, auto. Paint and prep
decent but not to show quality, with small
cracks noted throughout. Chrome shows well,
gaps about as good as factory during 1968—
which is to say a bit varied. Interior good over
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Market
Report
Mecum Auctions
Kissimmee, FL
all, showing normal wear for the age and miles
with some freshening noted. Numbers claimed
to match. Cond: 2-. SOLD AT $34,980. This
was said to be fresh out of the restoration shop,
but the finished product raised a few questions.
Don't get me wrong—this was a very nice
Corvette in an interesting color combination,
but when you say “fresh restoration,” this
isn't what comes to mind. That said, it still
presented well and was quite nice to see in the
original livery. Well bought.
#F5-1969 CHEVROLET CORVETTE
coupe. S/N 194379S720291. Red & black/
black leather. Odo: 96,903 miles. 427-ci 390hp
V8, 4-bbl, 4-sp. Paint and prep average
and show some masking issues and touch-ups.
Passenger's door tight on top, hood fit tight to
driver's side, driver's door cracked. Mirror on
passenger's side removed, with holes visibly
filled. Wheels in need of a repaint. Interior in
tures excellent documentation from new. Cond:
3-. SOLD AT $42,400. Last seen at Mecum's
Bloomington Gold sale in June '07, where it
failed to sell at $55,000 and was reported to be
in much better condition (CM# 45784). At this
auction, the presentation was less than stellar, but
as a certified Bloomington Gold Survivor, I rated
the condition squarely in the number three range.
Original cars like this are doing well in the market,
and with the documentation and awards, this
was well bought.
#F252-1969 CHEVROLET CORVETTE
convertible. S/N 194679S702738. Black/
black vinyl/black vinyl. Odo: 74,528 miles.
427-ci 390-hp V8, 4-bbl, 4-sp. Paint issues
noted, although minor, with some touch-ups
and cracks here and there. Driver's door high at
rear, other gaps OK. Door sills weathered, older
taillights should have been replaced. Interior
shows some lumpy seams in seats and wear on
good condition. Engine bay fairly fresh and
well sorted. Claimed to be numbers matching.
Cond: 2-. NOT SOLD AT $45,000. Last seen
at Mecum's Kissimmee sale in January '08,
where it sold for $47,513 and was reported
to have more than a few needs (CM# 49065).
Had this car not been in Sunflower Yellow,
you'd immediately see more paint and body
issues. It was bought during better times and
then restored, so I'm willing to bet the seller is
underwater now that the market has adjusted.
He may not see a better bid anytime soon.
#F297.1-1971 CHEVROLET CORVETTE
LT-1 convertible. S/N 194671S102783.
Orange/black vinyl/black vinyl. Odo: 83,512
miles. 350-ci 330-hp V8, 4-bbl, 4-sp. Some
microblistering in paint, primer color shows
through in areas, seams showing on fenders.
Driver's door a tad wide at top, other gaps
consistent. Bumpers scratched with some
light pitting noted, other trim shows no issues.
Interior aged from use, but is decent
overall. Engine bay looks to be in nice driver
good condition and presents well, with new
seats, door panels, and carpet. Non-factory
blacked out hood. No mention of matching
numbers. Cond: 3-. NOT SOLD AT $25,000.
Generally, this would be a nice Corvette to
improve upon, as the paint and body were in
pretty good shape, so you could take it up a
notch without hitting your checkbook all that
hard. That said, the high bid was about right
considering the work still needed, and the car
should have sold.
Best Buy #S221.1-1969
CHEVROLET
CORVETTE convertible. S/N 194679S727531.
Red/black vinyl/red vinyl. Odo: 54,303 miles.
350-ci 300-hp V8, 4-bbl, 4-sp. Spot-painted areas
discovered and noted, pop rivets just beginning
to show along nose panel. Brightwork shows
age, chrome looks good. Interior has fading in
areas and could be better detailed. Smog pump
still fitted on mostly clean engine. Reported to
be a completely unrestored example, and fea
center console. Engine bay fairly fresh, with
some paint still degassing. Fitted with power
steering. Numbers claimed to match. Cond: 2-.
SOLD AT $44,520. A well-presented 427/390
convertible in a desirable color combination
with a 4-speed will generate a good amount of
interest, and the bidders here liked it, resulting
in this market-correct price. It could have
even done a tad more, so I'd call it slightly well
bought.
#F255.1-1971 CHEVROLET CORVETTE
LT-1 convertible. S/N 194671S106530.
Sunflower Yellow/black vinyl/dark brown
vinyl. Odo: 38,023 miles. 350-ci 330-hp V8,
4-bbl, 4-sp. Yellow paint with a few prep issues
and several touch-ups noted. Door jamb
paint poorly applied. Consistent panel gaps,
some light stress cracks showing in body. Tidy
interior appears newly restored and in very
condition. Numbers claimed to match. Cond:
3-. NOT SOLD AT $33,500. This was not
quite as nice as lot F255.1, and it was not in
the most desirable color either, although when
compared to yellow, Ontario Orange would
be the preference for some, I suppose. Here
we have a good comparison study, as both
Corvettes were displayed side-by-side in the
tent. LT-1, yes, but not the best out there by
any means. A market-correct bid, but the seller
wanted more.
#F59-1973 CHEVROLET CORVETTE
coupe. S/N 1Z37Z3S421684. Orange/dark
saddle vinyl. Odo: 41,999 miles. 454-ci 275hp
V8, 4-bbl, auto. Good driver condition
overall. Average repaint and prep, passenger's
door very wide at quarter panel, light damage
to nose. Good bumpers. Engine bay complete
and original in appearance. Fitted with factory
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a/c. Claimed to be numbers matching. Cond:
3-. SOLD AT $22,260. Last seen at this same
venue in January '09 by yours truly, where it
sold at $19,610 (CM# 119396). This go-round
found a better result despite the fact that the
condition was basically unchanged. This was a
good example of how the market is improving,
using back-to-back data from the same auction.
Market correct then, market correct now.
#T57-1974 CHEVROLET CORVETTE
convertible. S/N 1Z67Z4S412513. Red/black
vinyl/black vinyl. Odo: 43,092 miles. 454ci
270-hp V8, 4-bbl, 4-sp. Fitted with hard
top and 4-speed. Paint and prep rough, with
masking issues, light scratches, touch-ups, and
orange peel noted. Trim average at best, with
moderate pitting in some areas. Poorly painted
This was the last year for the C3 Corvette convertible,
as it went on hiatus until 1986, and as
such, these will find a good amount of interest
in the market. The 205-hp L82s are the most
sought-after of the bunch, yet it was unclear
whether this was the real deal. Based on the
condition and overall presentation, the price
was about market correct factoring in the hard
top—and there may be an upside if the engine
question is answered in favor of the bigger
small-block.
#S314-1978 CHEVROLET CORVETTE
Indy Pace Car coupe. S/N 1Z87L8S902643.
Black & silver/silver leather. Odo: 48,702
miles. 350-ci 185-hp V8, 4-bbl, auto. Claimed
to have original paint, but some touch-ups and
respray work noted. Driver's door out, hood
high at rear. Door jambs fairly rusty, which
time goes on—but only for the best examples.
Look for a more sizzling color combination
with a 4-speed to start. This was about as dull
as it gets for the model, so the seller was wise
to take the money and run.
C4
#T79-1993 CHEVROLET CORVETTE
convertible. S/N 1G1YY33P7P5104559.
White/tan cloth/tan leather. 350-ci 300-hp
fuel-injected V8, auto. Paint sunbleached
and faded, nose appears more freshly done.
Heavily oxidized wheels, trim just average.
Newer seats in otherwise beat-up interior.
Car card states miles unknown, but based on
door jambs, gaps good but not particularly consistent,
taillights cracked. Interior soiled and
faded. Cond: 4+. SOLD AT $24,910. Stated
to be a one-owner LS4 Corvette with original
mileage. That said, the owner apparently took
very poor care of this car, and based on the
presentation, one could assume that nothing
much was cared for—including the drivetrain,
suspension, and brakes. With that in mind, this
was very strong money, so let's hope the new
owner has no regrets. Very well sold.
#S40-1975 CHEVROLET CORVETTE
convertible. S/N 1Z67J5S413384. White/
black vinyl/red leather. Odo: 42,474 miles.
350-ci 165-hp V8, 4-bbl, auto. Fitted with
factory a/c and L82 badges, although the VIN
decodes as a base 350. Paint has microblistering,
orange peel, masking issues, and thin spots
where primer shows through. Gaps good in
most regards, hood on passenger's side sits a
bit high. Interior shows normal driving wear,
but was clearly taken care of. Windshield has
wiper scratches. Cond: 3-. SOLD AT $17,490.
is part of the bird cage and could signal additional
issues. Mix of old and new interior
components. The “Official Pace Car” door
graphic has been repainted over the decal.
Cond: 4. SOLD AT $14,840. These Pace Car
Corvettes really are a dime a dozen, and there
are many out there that are much better than
this one. This just came across as an ordinary
well-used car. The money paid here was close
to market, but I'd call it well sold.
#F226-1981 CHEVROLET CORVETTE
coupe. S/N 1G1AY8761B5102735. Tan &
brown/brown vinyl. Odo: 85,354 miles. 350-ci
190-hp V8, 4-bbl, auto. Decent two-tone paint,
mostly consistent late C3 panel gaps, some
areas of body show very light cracks. Black
presentation, quite a few can be assumed.
Cond: 4-. SOLD AT $7,700. Nothing was very
good about this rode-hard-and-put-away-wet
Corvette. The unknown miles suggests that the
digital instrument system has failed and evaporated
the mileage. Whatever the case, this was
a #4 Corvette selling for #4 money.
#T66-1993 CHEVROLET CORVETTE
40th Anniversary coupe.
S/N
1G1YY23P9P5109854. Maroon/dark maroon
leather. Odo: 91,905 miles. 350-ci 300-hp fuelinjected
V8, 6-sp. Repaint to nose, original
paint on balance of body in good condition
with only several touch-ups noted. All gaps
factory correct, decent trim faded to a chalky
flat black. Door panel on driver's side only
trim scratched through to aluminum finish.
Fairly worn interior shows plenty of driver
enjoyment. Fitted with optional glass top and
comes with good documentation. A decent
driver. Cond: 3-. SOLD AT $12,190. Latermodel
C3s are gaining in momentum, and I
believe they will continue to have an upside as
held on by the closed door. Somewhat weathered
interior, but not a beater. Cond: 3. SOLD
AT $9,000. This was simply a used Corvette in
decent shape. The miles were most likely original,
but they were not stated to be so. C4s are
the bargain Corvette buys in the market right
now, and although I'd like to find one with
less mileage, this was a great buy for the new
owner at about $5k under the current market.
The 6-speed transmission is the only way to fly.
Well bought. ■
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T
C1
#391-1953 CHEVROLET CORVETTE
Replica roadster. S/N 1C9AA1110K1369172.
Purple & orange flames/black cloth/gray vinyl.
Odo: 8,083 miles. 350-ci 350-hp V8, 3x2-bbl,
auto. Built around a 1989 Classic Sports Cars
replica, with a 1989 Chevrolet VIN. Triple
deuce carbs protrude through the hood, modern
power brakes and power steering. Flame paint
job actually isn't too bad, peaked headlight bezels
almost make it look like a swollen Bugeye
Sprite from hell. Good upholstery workmanship
inside, accented by a lot of billet aluminum
components. Chromed fire extinguisher is
the center armrest. Cond: 3. NOT SOLD AT
$24,000. One of the most prudent investment
Global Roundup
Corvettes across the block
63 Corvettes Total $1.7m
he closing months of 2009 and the early months of 2010 saw a trend of continued
stabilization in the Corvette market, and CM's Auction Analysts were out in force
at locations ranging from Florida to Arizona, noting conditions and recording prices
as Corvettes were hammered sold. Their firsthand evaluations make up the bulk of
this issue, and as there's no printed price guide that can trump having expert boots on the
ground, each report should be considered essential in staying up to date on what's really
going on in the current market.
Auctions Covered This Issue:
Mecum Auctions, Kansas City, MO, 12/4/2009—B. Mitchell Carlson
Auctions America, Raleigh, NC, 12/4/2009—Chip Lamb
ICA Auctions, Gilbert, AZ, 1/16/2010—B. Mitchell Carlson
RM Auctions, Phoenix, AZ, 1/21/2010—Carl Bomstead
Silver Auctions, Fort McDowell, AZ, 1/22/2010—B. Mitchell Carlson
Gooding & Company, Scottsdale, AZ, 1/23/2010—Donald Osborne
Market opinions in italics
#747-1956 CHEVROLET CORVETTE
convertible. S/N E56S001931. Light blue &
white/white vinyl/white vinyl. Odo: 426 miles.
265-ci 225-hp V8, 2x4-bbl, 3-sp. Older comprehensive
restoration still shows well, albeit
with some orange peel in paint. Passenger's
door pillar trim requires adjustment to align
or heater, and two tops. Restoration about a
month old and generally done quite well. Light
body ripple, some reinforcement in wheelwells,
good quality repaint. Mostly reproduction
trim, with good quality bumper replating.
Door glass to hard top glass alignment a bit off,
fuel injection unit runs rich. No wear on allnew
interior soft trim. Show-ready engine bay,
valve covers polished. Title delay. Cond: 2.
NOT SOLD AT $85,000. Claimed to be one of
the 44 RPO 579E “fresh air” fuelies, although
cable-driven tachometer mounted on steering
column as part of this package was not present.
The consignor was hoping to see $120k out of
the car, but with withering prices on '57s and
no rock solid proof that this was for certain a
fresh-air car, the final bid was market correct.
Silver Auctions, Fort McDowell, AZ, 1/10.
#142-1957 CHEVROLET CORVETTE
convertible. S/N E57S104016. Arctic Blue/
beige vinyl. Odo: 38,960 miles. 283-ci 283hp
fuel-injected V8, 4-sp. Good panel fit, as
per factory. Paint shows some small flaws.
Nice chrome and trim, interior shows some
soiling on seats, scratches on dash from key
tips at the 2010 Corvette Market seminar was
“Never buy a Corvette with anything sticking
through the hood.” Then again, this really
wasn't a Corvette, so there you go. You've got
to admit; if you really wanted to build a 19531954
street machine, you're best off to use one
of the replicas as a starting point. As it rolled
off the block the first time, it was declared
that it was “going to take about ten-thousand
more to get her sold.” Silver Auctions, Fort
McDowell, AZ, 1/10.
58 Corvette Market WINTER 2009 www.corvettemarket.com
with windshield. Chrome and brightwork
restored, light scuffs on driver door trim not
unsightly. Windshield rubber cracked. Interior
comprehensively redone, but driver's seat padding
has disintegrated, leaving seat looking
lumpy. Engine bay once detailed for show but
needs a refresh. Cond: 2-. SOLD AT $76,680.
Last seen here two years ago as a $92,500
no-sale, when it had about 150 fewer miles
under its belt (SCM# 47970). The seats seem
to fit better and the car looked more carefully
detailed, yet some mechanical maladies and
storage issues remained. It was cut loose when
the money exceeded the $70,000 mark, and it
found a new home at about a market-correct
price for its condition. Auctions America,
Raleigh, NC, 12/09.
#373-1957 CHEVROLET CORVETTE
convertible. S/N E57S105186. Polo White
& Inca Silver/white vinyl/red vinyl. Odo:
50,327 miles. 283-ci 283-hp fuel-injected V8,
4-sp. Equipped with fresh air intake, no radio
fob, clumsy paint touch-up, and splits on
door armrest. Past Bloomington Gold, NCRS
Duntov Mark of Excellence, and multiple Top
Flight prizes. Cond: 3+. SOLD AT $103,400.
Hot spec fuelie show car, now considerably
mellowed. A no-sale back in September 1998
at Kruse Auburn (SCM# 13305) when it was
painted rose and had a 3-speed transmission.
400 miles and four years later, it sold at
Barrett-Jackson Scottsdale in January 2003
for $99,360, rated cond. 1- (SCM# 20053).
100 miles and seven years later, it's flat in
value. Market priced. Gooding & Company,
Scottsdale, AZ, 1/10.
#246-1957 CHEVROLET CORVETTE
convertible. S/N E57S106307. Turquoise/tan
fabric/white vinyl. Odo: 1,674 miles. 283-ci
283-hp fuel-injected V8, 4-sp. One of a small
group of '57 fuelies equipped with 4-sp manual
and 3.70:1 Posi rear end. Older restoration,

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Market
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Global Roundup
Corvettes across the block
NCRS Top Flight award winner. Hood fit off
a bit, swirls and scratches in paint, brightwork
dull in a few places, interior in good order.
Engine well presented. Cond: 2. SOLD AT
$115,500. Last year this would have brought
another $10k or so, but in today's world, the
price paid was about right. The choice of color,
while period-correct, may have held this back
a bit. See the profile, p. 24. RM Auctions,
Phoenix, AZ, 1/10.
#304-1959 CHEVROLET CORVETTE
convertible. S/N J9S108205. Frost Blue
& white/white vinyl/turquoise vinyl. Odo:
39,876 miles. 283-ci 270-hp V8, 2x4-bbl,
4-sp. Offered with both tops, Positraction rear
end, and Wonderbar radio. NCRS Top Flight
and Bloomington Gold in early '90s, has been
all of its original interior, but fitted with AM/
FM/cassette deck in the stock radio location
and modern coolant temperature gauge under
dash. Light to moderate seat wear and discoloration,
heavier fading to carpeting. Cond:
3-. SOLD AT $38,160. This is pretty much
what you do when you find the body of a '59
perched loosely on a chassis in someone's
garage or back alley. Sure, you can spend the
next ten years scouring specialty vendors and
eBay for date coded parts... maybe you'll even
find something. Still, it will never be numbers
matching, even if you stamp them on there, so
you might as well do something like this. The
consignor wisely cut the reserve loose, knowing
that it's only worth what someone is willing
to pay. Mecum, Kansas City, MO, 12/09.
#S74-1960 CHEVROLET CORVETTE
convertible. S/N 00867S108135. Red &
white/white vinyl/red vinyl. Odo: 60,801
miles. 283-ci V8, 2x4-bbl, 4-sp. Equipped with
Wonderbar radio and authentic dual quad induction,
but engine code and VIN pad are heavily
obscured and unreadable. Average quality
repaint, reusing most of the original lightly
scuffed trim. Fresh, thick, and haphazardly
sprayed undercoating. Older possibly original
faded carpeting, older reproduction seats, door
winter windshield wipers. Original motor rebuilt
to 300-hp specs. Seat upholstery is better
quality older reproduction, other interior soft
trim original. Cond: 3. SOLD AT $47,500. It's
odd today to think of a Split-Window as rotting
lot inventory, but this was a latter model year
car with the base level motor and a Powerslide
automatic, and Corvette buyers had their sights
set on restyled '64s without that pesky bar in the
rear-view mirror. The consignor cut his reserve
loose at $45k, and it was a decent deal for all
parties involved. He was hoping for almost
$50k, but he let this one go to hopefully grease
the wheels for his other two cars at the sale.
ICA, Gilbert, AZ, 1/10.
#S196-1964 CHEVROLET CORVETTE
Custom coupe. S/N 40837S118408. Silver/
black leather. Odo: 1,050 miles. 350-ci 350-hp
fuel-injected V8, 4-sp. Originally Daytona Blue
with blue vinyl interior. Aftermarket big-block
hood, shaved and reinforced wheelwells on
all four corners. Decent repaint, with masking
lines on the original and lightly dry-rotted vent
glass seals. No seals between driver's door and
well maintained since. Minor signs of time,
but still very presentable. Cond: 2. SOLD AT
$121,000. Strong money for a 283/270 that was
well past its prime. I'd think the high estimate
would be all the money, but obviously two bidders
had to have it. Well sold. RM Auctions,
Phoenix, AZ, 1/10.
#F213-1959 CHEVROLET CORVETTE
convertible. S/N J59S100527. Red & white/
black vinyl/red vinyl. Odo: 394 miles. 350-ci
300-hp V8, 4-bbl, 4-sp. Older trim-off repaint,
mix of repop and good original brightwork.
Recently installed soft top never deployed on
site. Battery kill switch mounted on driver's
side of cowl, with toggle lever accessible by
steering column under dash. Claimed to have
panels, and dashpad. Cond: 3. NOT SOLD AT
$40,000. This car fell into the range of cars
that would have had the last six digits of the
VIN stamped on the engine block, ahead of the
engine code. This was after the serial number
plate moved from the door pillar to being spotwelded
to the steering column tube. If we knew
for certain that the motor was definitely the
original or a swap-out, that would make the
call as to whether the consignor was prudent
to hold out for his $45k reserve over this bid.
Mecum, Kansas City, MO, 12/09.
C2
Best Buy #23A-1963
CHEVROLET
CORVETTE coupe. S/N 30837S103925.
Silver Blue/dark blue vinyl. Odo: 5,341 miles.
327-ci 300-hp V8, 4-bbl, auto. Originally
purchased at a discount in 1964 for being old
stock. Optional power steering, power brakes,
and power windows. Retrofitted with later
knockoffs and seat belts. Good quality older
repaint, light bonding strip broadcasting in the
usual places. Good original brightwork, modern
60 Corvette Market WINTER 2009 www.corvettemarket.com
glass, door fit off. GM Performance Ram Jet
fuel injection, rear suspension is a 1979-1982
monoleaf unit. Newer interior upholstery
shows virtually no wear. Cond: 3-. SOLD AT
$35,510. Another case of a '64 getting picked
on. At least this one was a pretty decently assembled
and streetable driver. Originally ran
on Friday as Lot F159, then a no-sale $32k.
On Saturday the consignor cut it loose, but
only after it was bid to $1,500 more than the
day before. Mecum, Kansas City, MO, 12/09.
#S146-1964 CHEVROLET CORVETTE
Custom coupe. S/N 40837S109151. Yellow &
black/black vinyl. 565-ci 1,200-hp V8, 4-bbl,
auto. Originally Ermine White with standard
black vinyl interior. Now a Pro-Street drag car,
with Bickel tube frame, lift-off front clip, and
wheelie bars. Donovan all-aluminum big-block
claimed to put out over 1,200 hp without the
bottle of laughing gas turned on. Rather good

Page 59

paint and clean engine bay for a racer boy,
interior is almost all business, with the only
stock gauge being the clock. Claimed to do the
quarter mile in the seven-second range. Cond:
3. SOLD AT $85,860. Here we go again... why
is it that '64s always get abused or modified so
heavily? Honestly, would you spend $86k on
a car built by Time Bomb Racing (“We build
‘em, you nuke ‘em”)—even with a claimed
$150k into the build? Mecum, Kansas City,
MO, 12/09.
#S148-1964 CHEVROLET CORVETTE
convertible. S/N 40867S121770. Red/white
vinyl/white vinyl. Odo: 49,397 miles. 327-ci
300-hp V8, 4-bbl, 4-sp. Originally Ermine
White with red vinyl interior. Decent body
prep with virtually no body seam broadcasting,
lesser quality paint application. Front
wheelwells have some light reinforcement,
headlights always in the exposed position.
Pitted bumper chrome, dingy engine compartment.
All stock ignition shielding missing,
and trim, older replacement seat upholstery
and carpeting. Engine bay rough as a cob, with
all ignition shielding missing and non-stock air
cleaner fitted. Cond: 4-. SOLD AT $21,000.
You could do worse if you want a '64 driver
with designs of self-restoring some day. I even
found it appealing to some extent—but that's
because I'm cheap, I like '64s because they're
cheap, and I'm a sucker for punishment. Even
with a quickie repaint, it will be a hard car to
flip, yet the buyer had it out at the Silver auction
a week later, where it didn't sell at $27k.
ICA, Gilbert, AZ, 1/10.
#32-1965 CHEVROLET CORVETTE
coupe. S/N 194375S117985. Glen Green/dark
green vinyl. Odo: 13,220 miles. 327-ci 300-hp
V8, 4-bbl, 4-sp. Equipped with power windows,
teak wheel, and tinted glass. Consignor
believes indicated miles are actual. Three time
NCRS Top-Flight car, awarded from 1982
through 1984. Three-decade-old high-quality
repaint, light waviness and bonding strip broadcasting.
Minimal dulling of original chrome
and trim. Older engine repaint and detailing,
but not ready for another NCRS event just
receipts from the 40-year second owner. Good
prep work and paint, light seam broadcasting,
mostly original brightwork. Original door
panels and seat upholstery show mild patina,
reproduction carpets with mild wear. Nonstock
valve covers, aluminum intake manifold,
ignition wires, and headers. Cond: 3+. NOT
SOLD AT $59,000. The consignor wanted at
least $6k more to even consider letting this
one go. Mosport Green isn't a really popular
color, and this car has a replacement motor, so
it might be a bit of work to find the right buyer
at that price. However, it's a well sorted out
big-block with some rare options—such as the
rarest color for a soft top in '66—so it has a lot
going for it. It's just that it's going back on the
consignor's truck. ICA, Gilbert, AZ, 1/10.
#806-1966 CHEVROLET CORVETTE
convertible. S/N 194676S105586. Marina
Blue/white vinyl/white vinyl. Odo: 57,517
miles. 427-ci 425-hp V8, 4-bbl, 4-sp. Older
comprehensive restoration still shows very
well, with only light chips and scuffs evident
from normal use. Good gaps, but passenger's
door to cowl gap is a bit wide. Most chrome
still appears as-new, but vent window frames
exhibit light pitting and may not have been
restored. Glass original except for modern
engine claimed to be built to 350-hp specs.
Aftermarket radio and shifter. Older reproduction
interior soft trim with light to moderate
wear. Offered at no reserve. Cond: 4+. SOLD
AT $32,330. In another case of a '64 with
color issues, it was rather odd that whoever
did this car flip-flopped the color combo. Oh,
the power of red. Just another ratty '64 driver
that someone didn't want to deal with anymore.
Market price for condition. Mecum, Kansas
City, MO, 12/09.
#54A-1964 CHEVROLET CORVETTE
coupe. S/N 40837S100568. White/dark blue
vinyl. Odo: 62,587 miles. 327-ci 300-hp
V8, 4-bbl, 4-sp. Fitted with 1965-68 327/
Powerglide replacement engine, bolted to a
4-speed. A factory a/c car, but most components
under the hood are modern retrofitted pieces.
Ancient repaint now pebbly on all surfaces and
peeling in door jambs. Dull original chrome
yet. New mufflers clamped to original pipes.
Completely original interior with light patina.
Cond: 3. NOT SOLD AT $38,000. While not
Bloomington Gold Survivor material, this was
something of a time machine in its own right.
The consignor wanted $45k in his pocket to
let the car go, and I can't really blame him on
one hand. However, Glen Green is toward the
bottom of desirability for most folks, especially
as a lightly optioned small-block. Yet a major
Corvette dealer had expressed interest in the
car, so some of us see redeeming factors in it.
ICA, Gilbert, AZ, 1/10.
#27A-1966 CHEVROLET CORVETTE
convertible. S/N 194676S118941. Mosport
Green/tan vinyl & green hard top/dark green
vinyl. Odo: 85,230 miles. 427-ci 390-hp V8,
4-bbl, 4-sp. Options include power steering,
power brakes, teak wheel, tinted glass, 4-way
flashers, both tops, and knockoffs. 1969 datecoded
replacement motor installed in 1970, per
replacement windshield. Interior remains very
fresh and tidy without evident fault. Engine
bay requires show prep after some use. Cond:
2. NOT SOLD AT $60,000. Perhaps it's been
a while since this car saw the NCRS show field,
or better still, maybe it was never prepared for
that sort of competition. It would not be hard
to make this car a proper showpiece, but the
details noted may have cost it a bid or two. All
in all, the high bid was light of the $75,000
reserve, and the seller was right to wait for
springtime. Auctions America, Raleigh, NC,
12/09.
#S95-1966 CHEVROLET CORVETTE
convertible. S/N 194676S122605. Nassau
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Market
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Global Roundup
Corvettes across the block
#556-1967 CHEVROLET CORVETTE
coupe. S/N 194377S102041. Sunfire Yellow/
black vinyl. Odo: 70,586 miles. 327-ci 350hp
V8, 4-bbl, 4-sp. Older restoration shows
numerous light flaws, including cracks inside
doors and some light overspray. Color match
not entirely correct, with yellow a bit too
strong, but overall finish quality and body
alignment are still quite nice. Chrome and
brightwork redone, light scratching on rear
Blue/white vinyl/Bright Blue vinyl. Odo: 762
miles. 427-ci 425-hp V8, 4-bbl, 4-sp. Equipped
with the L72 big-block, 3.55 Posi, sidepipes,
and knockoffs. High-quality older restoration
holding up quite well. Lightly shaved wheelwell
lips, no cracks or bonding strip broadcasting
evident, body character lines muted from
sanding, door and panel fit good. Reproduction
interior starting to show wear, with soiling
on driver's side carpeting, crack in steering
wheel rim, and faded seat belts. Aftermarket
AM/FM/cassette deck. Good older engine
detailing, with only some light fuel staining on
intake manifold. Cond: 2-. SOLD AT $72,080.
Proving there's more to big-block midyears
than 1967s, this L72 rag top easily surpassed
the $56k reserve. While it might need a fluff,
buff, and detail if you want to NCRS it, you
could do a lot worse for this money. Although
not a smokin' hot deal, it was worth fighting
for. Mecum, Kansas City, MO, 12/09.
#S67-1967 CHEVROLET CORVETTE
convertible. S/N 194677S118550. Rally Red/
white vinyl/white vinyl. Odo: 37,261 miles.
327-ci 350-hp V8, 4-bbl, 4-sp. Non-original
1965 block is period correct for an L79. Fitted
with the M21 4-speed, sidepipes, headrests,
AM/FM radio, Rally wheels, and modern
Redline radials. Softer body contours from
prep sanding, cleaned-up wheelwells which
are lightly shaved. Newer chrome and stainless
it stayed with its consignor. Auctions America,
Raleigh, NC, 12/09.
#527-1967 CHEVROLET CORVETTE
convertible. S/N 194677S100929. Riverside
Red & black/black vinyl/black vinyl. Odo:
46,424 miles. 427-ci 400-hp V8, 3x2-bbl, 4-sp.
Circa 1988 body-off restoration. Light body
seam broadcasting under good 22-year-old
repaint. Headlight bucket to body fit issues,
generally good door and panel fit. No detailing
and minimal clean-up under the hood since
restoration, with heavier fuel staining on intake
bumper. Sloppy refinishing of dash not offset
by nice walnut steering wheel. Factory a/c
engine compartment mostly correct in appearance,
but without claims of matching numbers.
Cond: 3+. NOT SOLD AT $54,500. While not
heavy on information, the car's documentation
provided by the consignor read, “If you buy
the best, you buy once.” This really was just a
driver-quality Corvette, and whether or not the
numbers matched shouldn't have affected the
car's ability to sell at this bid. The consignor
should have cut it loose. Auctions America,
Raleigh, NC, 12/09.
#765-1967 CHEVROLET CORVETTE
convertible. S/N 194677S118190. Rally Red/
black vinyl/black vinyl. Odo: 35,127 miles.
327-ci 350-hp V8, 4-bbl, 4-sp. Concoursquality
paint on smooth body with no major
issues, apart from some light waviness and
swirl marks on hood. Driver's door could shut
better compared to passenger's side. Front
bumper exhibits one ding in otherwise faultless
manifold and peeling decals. Light wear on
reproduction upholstery, with moderate carpet
wear. Runs out in a generally stock manner.
Cond: 3+. NOT SOLD AT $90,000. This restoration
isn't exactly unwinding, but when you
use a restored car for awhile, you can't expect
fresh out-of-the-shop prices when it comes time
to sell. Couple this with a continued receding
of Tri-Power big-block '67 prices, and even
the Monday rerun no-sale bid of $67,500 was
not out of line here. At least a 400-hp big-block
makes for a car that you can practically drive
to some extent in 2010—needing only nonoxygenated
high octane instead of racing gas.
Silver Auctions, Fort McDowell, AZ, 1/10.
C3
Best Buy #S46-1968 CHEVROLET CORVETTE
convertible. S/N 194678S421600. Silver/black
vinyl/black vinyl. Odo: 45,065 miles. 327-ci
300-hp V8, 4-bbl, 4-sp. Options include power
steering, power brakes, AM/FM radio, and
both tops. One-owner car until 2004, then
subjected to a complete restoration. Excellent
body prep and bare body repaint, average
bumper replate, mostly new trim. All new
interior soft trim, expertly fitted and showing
minimal to no wear. The motor was rebuilt and
bored .030 over as part of the restoration, and
well detailed when put back. Cond: 2. SOLD
AT $36,570. The best way to have a '68 that
trim, although the sidepipe shields are road
worn. The original windshield seal cracked.
Newer top and interior, showing only light
wear. Authentic engine bay detailing, although
the air cleaner element is getting ratty. Cond:
3. SOLD AT $56,710. Last sold here in the
spring, then at $55k (CM# 120052). Seen again
at The Branson Auction in September '09,
where it failed to sell at $40k (CM# 142919).
The reserve was pulled at $49k, and it seems
that the market has spoken. Mecum, Kansas
City, MO, 12/09.
62 Corvette Market WINTER 2009 www.corvettemarket.com
chrome, rest is appropriately wavy and correct
to original standards. Top and interior remain
in show-quality condition, walnut wheel looks
right. Engine compartment well-detailed and
correct apart from modern AC Delco battery.
Cond: 2+. NOT SOLD AT $62,000. Judging
sheets with the car indicated that it earned a
very respectable 98.4 in NCRS judging. Its
slight flaws were likely fixable without much
trouble, but nobody here was interested close
enough to the car's $75,000 reserve price, and

Page 61

you actually intend to drive on occasion is
to have one which is fully restored—wherein
most of the bugs from that first-year C3 have
been worked out. This was a little pricey for a
base-level motor car, but it was worth it, as it
was turn-key ready. There was a lot of interest,
and it took a while to get it sold, so I'm not the
only one of this opinion. Mecum, Kansas City,
MO, 12/09.
#S102-1968 CHEVROLET CORVETTE
convertible. S/N 194678S419904. Purple
Pearl Metallic/black vinyl/black vinyl. Odo:
28,054 miles. 427-ci 390-hp V8, 4-bbl, 4-sp.
Originally Corvette Bronze. Recent repaint
with decent prep and application, good forward
door gaps, wide rear gaps. Mostly original and
lightly scuffed brightwork. Rear suspension
sits quite high. Non-stock induction, HEI
this is more of a very weak number two car.
A decent deal, all things considered. Silver
Auctions, Fort McDowell, AZ, 1/10.
#28A-1969 CHEVROLET CORVETTE
convertible. S/N 194679S730764. LeMans
Blue/black vinyl/black vinyl. Odo: 64,028
miles. 350-ci 300-hp V8, 4-bbl, 4-sp. Options
include both tops, a/c, power brakes, and tilt/
telescopic column. Aftermarket chrome sidepipes.
Slight body wave under newer repaint,
good, mostly original trim, older replated
bumpers. Minimal cleanup underhood. Part
of original exhaust pipe hangers remain under
two-to-one ratio over red. Market pricing for a
nicely detailed but hardly virginal LT-1 coupe.
Mecum, Kansas City, MO, 12/09.
#F158-1974 CHEVROLET CORVETTE
coupe. S/N 1Z37Z4S414831. Bright Yellow/
black vinyl. Odo: 77,312 miles. 454-ci 270hp
V8, 4-bbl, 4-sp. Fitted with a/c and power
brakes. Aftermarket AM/FM/cassette radio
and K&N filter. Newer better-than-average
repaint, light pitting on door handle flappers,
good engine clean-up and light detailing.
distributor, ignition wiring, air cleaner, radiator
hoses, and alternator. Reproduction seats
and carpeting show light wear. Velcro tape
on dash top from aftermarket cover. Cond:
3-. SOLD AT $21,200. Once you get past the
Barney paint job (even a Minnesota Vikings
fan wouldn't have a Corvette in this shade of
violet), there was a lot of potential. The thing
is, at this selling price, it'll be tough to make
it correct, flip it, and make a profit. Well sold.
Mecum, Kansas City, MO, 12/09.
#38-1968 CHEVROLET CORVETTE
convertible. S/N 194678S404922. Black/
red vinyl. Odo: 54,404 miles. 427-ci 390-hp
V8, 4-bbl, 4-sp. Optional a/c, power steering,
luggage rack, and both tops. Factory a/c
car, but most underhood hardware is modern.
18-year-old restoration holding together quite
well. Engine compartment with non-stock fuel
pressure regulator, radiator, electric cooling
fans, alternator, and ignition wiring. Light
wear on reproduction interior, mostly on carpet.
One crack at 9 o'clock on simulated wood
steering wheel. Cond: 2-. SOLD AT $29,700.
The lengthy car card summarized this C3 as
“a solid #2.” 18 years ago perhaps, but now
back of car. Older reproduction seats, original
carpets and door panels show moderate wear.
Aftermarket stereo, seat belts, and Hurst
shifter. Cond: 3. NOT SOLD AT $21,500.
While 1969 was the only year that a C3 had
sidepipes, this wasn't one of them. Not quite
a Corvette Summer escapee, but the sort of
Corvette that the smooth operator probably
had in high school. At this money, the high
bidder should've been able to buy it and live
his high school days vicariously. ICA, Gilbert,
AZ, 1/10.
#F178-1971 CHEVROLET CORVETTE
LT-1 coupe. S/N 194371S114752. War Bonnet
Yellow/black vinyl. Odo: 99,182 miles. 350-ci
330-hp V8, 4-bbl, 4-sp. Factory optional LT-1
motor, power steering, tilt/telescopic steering
column, and AM/FM radio. Claimed to be all
original; however, paint is newer and tires have
post-1983 DOT date codes on them. Original
interior claim could be plausible, as there
Older replacement interior vinyl with light
wear, heavier wear on original carpeting. Runs
out well, if slightly more throaty than stock.
Cond: 3. SOLD AT $20,140. Rubber bumper
big-blocks (say that five times really fast) seem
to be among the few C3s that are still increasing
in value. This one needed some detailing
work to become a show car, but it was a rather
nice driver. As such, it sold strongly, just as its
peers from 1973 and 1974 have been doing
lately. Mecum, Kansas City, MO, 12/09.
#F47-1974 CHEVROLET CORVETTE
coupe. S/N 1Z37Z4S425616. Red/tan vinyl.
Odo: 51,950 miles. 454-ci 270-hp V8, 4-bbl,
4-sp. Optional power steering, power brakes,
power windows, and deluxe leather interior.
Also fitted with a/c, although compressor
drive belt is missing. Older economy repaint,
with chipping along some panel edges.
Original brightwork shows moderate scuffing.
are seam separations on driver's side bottom
and moderate fraying and wear to carpeting.
Authentically detailed motor, inclusive of smog
pump and all plumbing. Fresh brake lines and
exhaust system. Cond: 2-. SOLD AT $31,800.
Some folks make a big stink about a '71 being
painted War Bonnet Yellow. However, it was
the most popular color that year—by almost a
Repainted valve covers and cleaned-up motor,
heavily surface rusted chassis components
and exhaust system. Interior is something of a
patchwork affair, with some older worn redyed
tan pieces. Cond: 4+. SOLD AT $11,395. 1974
was the last year for a Mark IV motor in a
Corvette, but that doesn't automatically make
it worth mega bucks, as by then, the Corvette
454 was almost the same as it was in truck
applications. Plenty paid for a ratty rubber
bumper big-block. Mec
#352-1974 CHEVROLET CORVETTE
coupe. S/N 1Z37J4S434895. Brown metallic/
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Market
Report
Global Roundup
Corvettes across the block
tan vinyl. Odo: 54,468 miles. 350-ci 195-hp
V8, 4-bbl, auto. Factory optional a/c, power
brakes, tilt/telescopic column, luggage rack,
power windows and California emissions.
Most documentation since new, including mortal
remains of tank sticker. Good quality topical
repaint, freshly rebuilt brakes. Top of the
engine repainted, rest of engine compartment
cleaned up but not detailed. New cowl induction
to air cleaner seal still has mold release on
it. Redyed console and door panels, good original
seats and dash. Undercoated when new.
Cond: 3+. NOT SOLD AT $12,500. Baselevel
motor, slushbox transmission, California
smog gear, and brown metallic. The only thing
helping here was that it was basically a oneowner
car with documentation. The consignor
likely saw his best payday go running right
past at this retail-plus level. Silver Auctions,
Fort McDowell, AZ, 1/10.
#729-1974 CHEVROLET CORVETTE
convertible. S/N 1Z67J4S419894. Black/
black vinyl/black cloth & vinyl. Odo: 77,561
miles. 350-ci 195-hp V8, 4-bbl, auto. Betterthan-average
repaint extends into doorjambs,
few surface flaws include light preparation
issues and some rippling. New convertible top
correct down to warning tag. Seats possibly
fresher than original, although dashboard and
metallic/black cloth & vinyl. Odo: 97,864
miles. 350-ci 180-hp V8, 4-bbl, auto. Older
driver-grade refinishing heavily buffed and
color sanded, with multiple chips, scratches, and
a splotchy appearance up close. Mismatched
door jambs from prior repaint, tape marks
abound. Hood and doors open and shut poorly.
Weatherstripping original and ough around
door openings. Interior possibly original with
nicer seats, dash cracked, console worn. Engine
compartment hastily prepared with a spraycan
or two. Cond: 4+. SOLD AT $8,640. This
fright-pig Corvette even came with a funky odor.
Showing two different and incorrect finishes
inside and out, it looked decent from where the
bidders were seated, but up close it was rather
nightmarish. Relative to other nicer 1975s
seen lately, this was quite well sold. Auctions
America, Raleigh, NC, 12/09.
#560-1975 CHEVROLET CORVETTE
convertible. S/N 1Z67J5S417845. Bright
Yellow/black cloth & yellow hard top/black
leather. Odo: 72,826 miles. 350-ci 165-hp V8,
4-bbl, auto. Equipped with optional hard top,
interior décor group, tilt/telescopic column,
AM/FM radio, power windows, and a/c.
Good older repaint, although nose is slightly
darker. Claimed to have a near-new cloth
205-hp V8, 4-bbl, 4-sp. Equipped with optional
L82 with 4-speed, cruise control, and AM/FM/
CB radio. Seller claims indicated miles are
actual. Original paint better than average, but it
won't be confused with an over-the-top restoration.
Motor had a quickie cleanup, undercarriage
is daily-driver grade. Minimal seat wear,
but has some light yellowing discoloration to
prove that they're 32-year-old originals. Tires
aren't original. Cond: 3. SOLD AT $23,850.
Anyone who thinks that a '78 Pace Car edition
is a rare car (as the car card alluded to) needs
only to pick up any vintage car publication that
has a ten-page-or-larger “For Sale” section,
and you'll be all but guaranteed to find one
for sale—and likely with similar low mileage.
The L82/4-speed combination does make it
both rarer (202 built) and more desirable, but
it's not worth crawling across the Himalayas
on your hands and knees to find one. Market
price. Mecum, Kansas City, MO, 12/09.
25th Anniversary Replica coupe. S/N
1Z8748S404067. Two-tone
#370-1978 CHEVROLET CORVETTE
silver/tinted
panels/oyster leather. Odo: 2,774 miles. 350ci
220-hp V8, 4-bbl, 4-sp. Left St. Louis in
silver only, painted later to replicate a 25th
Anniversary edition. Mileage claimed original.
Equipped with the L82 motor, 4-speed, tilt/
telescopic column, tinted roof panels, sport
mirrors, and power windows. Good door and
panel gaps, engine compartment original and
cleaned up well. Light wear to original upholstery,
heavy wear to dealer accessory floor
console original, with console cracked around
handbrake opening. Engine bay tidy, with careful
detailing and some correct tags indicating
preparation for show. Cond: 2-. SOLD AT
$15,390. This was one of just 5,424 convertibles
for 1974, and someone thought it was
special enough in triple black to restore it well
beyond what most people would have done.
A small-block automatic 1974 is not on many
folks wish lists, especially with more freshening
to do, so it's not a great surprise that the
$17,000 reserve came off where it did. A fair
transaction for buyer and seller. Auctions
America, Raleigh, NC, 12/09.
#754-1975 CHEVROLET CORVETTE
coupe. S/N 1X37J55427251. Medium blue
64 Corvette Market WINTER 2009 www.corvettemarket.com
soft top. Good original interior, with heaviest
wear being carpeting and original floor mats.
Driver's side door panels starting to split along
armrest. Aftermarket console T-pad has slightly
less wear than seats. Typical used car undercarriage.
Cond: 3. NOT SOLD AT $15,500. One
of 2,407 of the final-year convertible that came
with an optional hard top. It wasn't worth
holding out for more with the needs noted, so
the seller should have taken the money. Silver
Auctions, Fort McDowell, AZ, 1/10.
#F169-1978 CHEVROLET CORVETTE
Indy Pace Car Edition coupe. S/N
1Z8748S903286. Silver & black/painted
panels/silver leather. Odo: 6,699 miles. 350-ci
mats. Undercarriage dirtier than expected.
Cond: 3+. SOLD AT $14,580. Silver
Anniversary was the hands-down most popular
paint scheme for a '78 Corvette—almost three
times more prolific than the cookie-cutter Pace
Cars—so I'm not sure why this dude decided
to turn his far rarer all-silver car into an
Anniversary car. Sure, an Anniversary edition
with the L82/4-speed combo is harder to find,
but they surface occasionally also. In addition
to the powertrain, the low mileage carried the

Page 63

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sportscarmarket.com/kmoc2

Page 64

Market
Report
Global Roundup
Corvettes across the block
day here, with the car selling about as well
as one could expect. Silver Auctions, Fort
McDowell, AZ, 1/10.
#F140-1979 CHEVROLET CORVETTE
coupe. S/N 1Z8749S426019. Silver & black/
Oyster leather. Odo: 60,872 miles. 350-ci
205-hp V8, 4-bbl, auto. L82 motor, tilt wheel,
power windows, power door locks, and a/c.
Superficial repaint looks decent on the outside
but is sloppy on door jambs and shows
some overspray in places. Typical stock door
gaps. Engine with red ignition wires, polished
#F56-1982 CHEVROLET CORVETTE
Collector
Edition coupe.
#73-1982 CHEVROLET CORVETTE
S/N
1G1AY0787C5119091. Silver & charcoal/
silver leather. Odo: 77,014 miles. 350-ci 200hp
fuel-injected V8, auto. Repaint is at least as
good as original, yet with some light masking
lines on door seals. Black paint in taillight
coves mostly flaked off, window tint film applied
to hatch and door glass. Paint flaking off
coupe. S/N 1G1AY8788C5109751. Red/tinted
panels/black leather. Odo: 43,959 miles. 350-ci
205-hp fuel-injected V8, auto. Factory options
include rear window defroster, mirrored roof
panels, power seats, power antenna, and electric
sport mirrors. Recent repaint, with heavier
original paint wear in door jambs wearing
through to fiberglass in places. Front fascia is
a slightly different hue than rest of car. GM-
aluminum valve covers, and small chrome
air cleaner. Seats show quite a bit of wear,
modern DIN-mount stereo system displaces
stock radio. Newer chambered exhaust. Cond:
3-. NOT SOLD AT $8,900. Just another repainted
Corvette with no collector value; nothing
more, nothing less. At least they didn't try
to pass this off as a replica 25th Anniversary
Edition—yeah that's it, a rare 26th Anniversary
Edition, one of one... Mecum, Kansas City,
MO, 12/09.
#573-1981 CHEVROLET CORVETTE
coupe. S/N 1G1AY8767B5106188. Beige/
tinted panels/tan leather. Odo: 98,240 miles.
350-ci 190-hp V8, 4-bbl, auto. Optional cruise
control, mirrored roof panels, and power
driver's seat. All glass security etched with
car's VIN—including T-tops. Mostly original
paint could use a buff-out, nose likely re-
base of the dashboard at windshield, odometer
reset knob broken off. Moderate wear on seats,
carpet, and door panels. Original yet unkempt
undercarriage. Cond: 3. SOLD AT $13,250.
One of two '82 Collector Edition cars at the
sale, this one being the better of the two—if
barely. The reserve was dropped at $11k, so it
was chased for a little while. This is getting to
be the average price for an average example.
Mecum, Kansas City, MO, 12/09.
#S31-1982 CHEVROLET CORVETTE
Collector Edition
coupe.
S/N
1G1AY0781C5106594. Silver & charcoal/
tinted panels/silver leather. Odo: 74,717 miles.
350-ci 200-hp fuel-injected V8, auto. Good
quality repaint, with some light polishing swirls
on hood. Decent stock door and panel gaps.
All stock engine compartment, with all emissions
hardware in place and topically cleaned
off. Seats and door panels with heavier wear
spec panel and door gaps, aftermarket window
tint film all around, chromed exhaust outlets.
Moderate seat wear, heavier wear on steering
wheel rim and door panels. Cond: 3. SOLD
AT $11,070. While in good colors, this one was
starting to get a little rough around the edges.
Top money paid, as nicer cars are pretty easy
to find for not a whole lot more money. The
consignor was obviously well aware of this,
and he cut the reserve loose when the bidding
stopped. Silver Auctions, Fort McDowell, AZ,
1/10.
C4
#753-1984 CHEVROLET CORVETTE
coupe. S/N 1G1AY0788E5150756. Bright
Red/tinted & painted panel/red leather. Odo:
49,988 miles. 350-ci 205-hp fuel-injected V8,
auto. Factory options include leather sport
seats, AM/FM/cassette stereo, and dual roof
panels. Dealer accessory mud guards. Claimed
to be an original actual-mile unrestored car.
sprayed. Paint chipped in several places close
to roof panels, light body crack on right side
where panel and door glass meet. Cleaned up,
mostly original engine compartment. Some
of the blackout rear glass trim is flaking off.
Reupholstered seats, balance of interior original
and in good shape. Cond: 3-. SOLD AT
$8,100. It's easy to grasp that this was claimed
to have been a life-long Arizona car—it was
the perfect color for being parked in the desert,
the seats had been replaced, and it has some
sun fade. The price paid was the right money
for this car. Silver Auctions, Fort McDowell,
AZ, 1/10.
66 Corvette Market WINTER 2009 www.corvettemarket.com
and weakening seams, plastic power seat control
on base of driver's seat is loose and has
heavier fading. VIN tag on windshield frame
rusty. Factory-optional electronic AM/FM/
cassette deck. Cond: 3-. SOLD AT $15,900.
Further proof that 1982 Collector Editions are
doing quite well in the marketplace, as this is
the same kind of money a 1978 Pace Car edition
would bring. And this car's good quality
paint job was all that was keeping it from being
just a tired old driver. Mecum, Kansas City,
MO, 12/09.
Stock alloys, fresh performance radials. Motor
Trend Car of the Year sticker in rear window.
Heavily buffed out paint after some light
touch-up, door glass seals only have some
light chalkiness. Dealer-grade engine compartment
clean-up. Cond: 3+. SOLD AT $6,588.
Upholding the annual tradition, the casino had
a drawing among their patrons for a collector
car—this year a Corvette—and also upholding
that tradition, the winner elected to take the
cash instead of this car. Sometimes I wonder
why they even bother. While it's a little difficult

Page 65

to say with a straight face, this was actually a
pretty decent '84 Corvette, and at least it was
bought well. Silver Auctions, Fort McDowell,
AZ, 1/10.
#45-1987 CHEVROLET CORVETTE
convertible. S/N 1G1YY3184H5101602.
Dark Red Metallic/white vinyl/black leather.
Odo: 33,084 miles. 350-ci 240-hp fuel-injected
V8, auto. Factory optional Z52 handling package,
dual power sport seats, climate control,
performance axle, engine oil cooler, radiator
boost fan, California emission requirement,
and Delco Bose stereo. C6-style wheels, stock
#574-1990 CHEVROLET CORVETTE
coupe. S/N 1G1YY2384L5111966. Black/red
leather. Odo: 75,410 miles. 350-ci 250-hp fuelinjected
V8, auto. Options include tinted roof
panel, performance axle, power leather sport
seats, and climate control. Also fitted with aftermarket
cat-back exhaust and window tint film
on hatch glass. Better than stock repaint with
wheels also available. Excellent original paint,
with minimal nose chipping. Original soft top
only shows light weathering. Non-stock TPI rail
covers, rest of motor stock and dusty. Driver's
seat has more wrinkling than expected. Cond:
3+. SOLD AT $16,470. In a sea of C4s, this was
one of the best ones out here, and considering
the final bid, there were several other people out
here who shared that opinion. Silver Auctions,
Fort McDowell, AZ, 1/10.
#F126-1988 CHEVROLET CORVETTE
35th Anniversary Edition coupe. S/N
1G1YY2189J5117116. Polo White/tinted
panel/white leather. Odo: 59,765 miles. 350-ci
245-hp fuel-injected V8, auto. Good original
paint with light scuffing. Loose and rattling
door panels, especially on passenger's side,
some fraying weatherstripping. Reproduction
seat upholstery like new, while steering wheel
several discernible masking lines. Slight buckling
of driver's door panel at top, more soiling
than wear on seats. Topical engine bay cleanup,
untouched undercarriage. Cond: 3-. SOLD AT
$6,600. The first of a group of half a dozen C4s,
and one of the better buys of the bunch. None
were really spectacular, as they were all decent
drivers without significant modification. Silver
Auctions, Fort McDowell, AZ, 1/10.
#575-1991 CHEVROLET CORVETTE
coupe. S/N 1G1YY2387M5102793. Black/
black leather. Odo: 71,110 miles. 350-ci 250hp
fuel-injected V8, auto. Options include climate
control, rear defroster, Delco-Bose AM/
FM/cassette stereo, and leather sport seats.
Aftermarket window tint film starting to peel
on edges. Roof hatch appears to have been
options include Selective Ride Control, removable
glass roof, climate control, and Delco
Bose AM/FM stereo. Aftermarket high-rise
cowl-induction-style hood, stainless steel
exhaust system. Repaint not too bad, primer
visible in wheelwells. Motor has rebuilt heads,
performance cam, and updated fuel injection.
Reupholstered seats in non-stock two-tone.
Aftermarket door sill guards and console top
armrest. Cond: 3. SOLD AT $7,452. A poster
child of the type of C4 to generally avoid.
There's no upside here, and the seller cut it loose
for all the money in the world. Well sold, as you
can buy a much better car for the same price.
Silver Auctions, Fort McDowell, AZ, 1/10.
#53A-1992 CHEVROLET CORVETTE
coupe. S/N 1G1YY23P7N5707047. White/tan
leather. Odo: 78,056 miles. 350-ci 300-hp fuelinjected
V8, auto. Factory options include dual
power leather seats, Selective Ride & Handling,
and electronic climate control. Good topical
repaint, with non-stock pinstripes added. Also
modified with C5-era Z06 chrome alloys, dark
window tint, modern sound system, carpeted
leather has far heavier wear and is not the same
shade of white. Aftermarket door sill carpet
protectors, loose screws hold gauge panel in
place. Topical engine bay cleanup. Cond: 3.
SOLD AT $8,500. One would think that if this
really was a 59,765-mile car, the consignor
would've been bragging that up. If those were
the actual miles, well enough bought. If not,
well, it should be a decent driver for the market
price paid. Mecum, Kansas City, MO, 12/09.
repainted, other original paint heavily buffed
out. Tops of door panels warped, other interior
wear typical for the miles indicated. Cond:
4+. NOT SOLD AT $6,300. Compared to the
other black C4 from this offering, this one came
up short, even with less work done to it. Or is
that because less was done to it? Also, this was
not the most popular color for the locals, as it
would be a rolling sauna in Phoenix for most
of the year when the original (and spendy) R12
a/c quits blowing cold. Silver Auctions, Fort
McDowell, AZ, 1/10.
#283-1992 CHEVROLET CORVETTE
Custom coupe. S/N 1G1YY23P3N5104100.
Red/red & black leather . Odo: 85,032 miles.
350-ci 300-hp fuel-injected V8, 6-sp. Factory
dashpad, clear plastic sill protectors, and stainless
steel exhaust. Replacement seat upholstery
installed quite well, considering how complex
these seats are. Original carpet shows soiling
on driver's side. Cond: 3. SOLD AT $9,250.
It's amazing what limited selection can make
people do. As one of only two C4s out here, this
brought retail-plus pricing. A week later out at
Silver there were nearly a dozen to chose from,
but none sold for as much as this one did here.
ICA, Gilbert, AZ, 1/10.
#576-1994 CHEVROLET CORVETTE
coupe. S/N 1G1YY22P6R5118211. Arctic
White/red leather. Odo: 115,965 miles. 350-ci
300-hp fuel-injected V8, auto. Optional power
sport seats, climate control, and rear window
defroster. Fitted with aftermarket body-color
taillight louvers and in-dash stereo system.
Light tearing of door glass seals, near new
reproduction carpeting and seat upholstery.
Dealer-prep-grade engine bay detailing. Washed
off undercarriage, with newer stock exhaust and
Bilstein shocks. Cond: 3. SOLD AT $7,236.
www.corvettemarket.com WINTER 2010 Corvette Market 67

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Market
Report
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Corvettes across the block
no doubt as to the originality of the seat upholstery.
Cond: 3-. SOLD AT $7,128. Pretty much
market priced for a realistic-mile late C4.
While original, there's not much investment
value here, even if it gets locked in a climate
controlled garage for several decades. Might
as well drive it to enjoy it. Silver Auctions,
Fort McDowell, AZ, 1/10.
#62-1995 CHEVROLET CORVETTE
With over 100k on the roundy-meter, this wasn't
as good of a buy as most of the other C4s here,
but it was still a decent buy compared to the
ones found sitting on most used car lots. Silver
Auctions, Fort McDowell, AZ, 1/10.
#577-1994 CHEVROLET CORVETTE
coupe. S/N 1G1YY22P8R5104178. Bright
Aqua/blue tinted/tan leather. Odo: 74,223
miles. 350-ci 300-hp fuel-injected V8, auto.
Factory options include power sport seats,
climate control, rear window defroster, Bose
AM/FM/cassette stereo, blue tinted roof panel,
and chrome alloys. Aftermarket tinted taillight
lenses and enhanced rear valance lettering.
coupe. S/N 1G1YY22P9S5101005. White/
white panel/black leather. Odo: 33,260 miles.
350-ci 300-hp fuel-injected V8, auto. Options
include dual power leather sport seats, Bose
AM/FM/cassette sound system, and electronic
climate control. New tires, stock rims have
minimal curb rash. Window tint film on hatch
glass, Goodguys sticker on bottom center. Some
Best Buy #745-1996 CHEVROLET CORVETTE
coupe. S/N 1G1YY225XT5117830. Polo
Green/tinted panel/black leather. Odo: 55,970
miles. 350-ci 330-hp fuel-injected V8, 6-sp.
Optional LT4 with prerequisite 6-speed,
power leather sport seats, tinted roof panel,
rear window defroster, and Delco-Bose AM/
FM/Cassette/CD stereo. All original paint,
clearcoat peeling behind rear wheelwells,
below body character line and around taillights.
Heavier polishing swirls and scuffing
Well-cared-for original paint recently buffed
out, good underhood and underbody clean-up.
Seats have too little wear and too many fitment
wrinkles to be original, door panels faded.
Cond: 3. SOLD AT $6,912. Being a definite
period color (remember all of those Ford
Explorers and Chevy Suburbans in variations
of green metallic?), it looks the part of a lategeneration
C4. If you are sick and tired of “me
too” red, white, and black Corvettes, this was
a good buy. Silver Auctions, Fort McDowell,
AZ, 1/10.
#578-1994 CHEVROLET CORVETTE
coupe. S/N 1G1YY22P1R5116107. Arctic
White/tinted/black leather . Odo: 72,348 miles.
350-ci 300-hp fuel-injected V8, auto. Equipped
with Delco-Bose cassette stereo, climate control,
rear window defroster, tinted roof panel,
rear window shade, and power leather sport
seats. Congruent overall, with mostly original
paint and interior. Typical cracking of door
glass seals, light gouge in top edge of driver's
door. Light underhood and underbody cleanup,
heavier wrinkling and moderate wear leave
panels resprayed, most paint original and in
good shape. Heavier seat wear and wrinkling,
especially on driver's side. Aftermarket engine
call-out decal on console. Cond: 3. SOLD AT
$7,668. The reserve was let go at the end of
bidding for a market-priced sale. With at least
four white C4s out here, you really needed the
run list—with VINs noted on it—to keep track of
things. Well bought and sold. Silver Auctions,
Fort McDowell, AZ, 1/10.
#366-1995 CHEVROLET CORVETTE
convertible. S/N 1G1YY32P0S5107510.
Admiral Blue/black cloth/black leather. Odo:
99,676 miles. 350-ci 300-hp fuel-injected V8,
auto. Factory options include climate control
and Delco-Bose AM/FM/cassette stereo. Stock
alloys, fresh Michelin Pilots. Good quality
repaint with some masking lines on door seals,
door window seals starting to split. Original
on rear valance, yet is still presentable at ten
feet. Typical crumbling of door glass seals.
Well maintained engine compartment only
needs topical cleaning. Cond: 3-. SOLD AT
$6,588. Bid to a nobody-is-in-the-tent $4,300
as lot 579 on Sunday. In my opinion, this was
well bought, if not the steal of the sale, as it had
lower miles and the one-year-only high horsepower
LT4. If this had been red, it would've
been an $8k car out here. Scoop up LT4s now
while they're cheap and in decent condition.
Remember, they laughed at the “fools” who
were buying 435-hp cars for $1,500 during the
first OPEC oil embargo. Silver Auctions, Fort
McDowell, AZ, 1/10.
C5
#F142-1999 CHEVROLET CORVETTE
coupe. S/N 1G1YY22G4X5102246. Black/
tinted panel/black leather. Odo: 66,580 miles.
5.7-L 345-hp fuel-injected V8, auto. Factory
options include tinted roof panel, body side
moldings, Head-Up display, and AM/FM/
CD stereo. Modified with chrome Z06-style
wheels, Billy Boat exhaust system, and window
tint film. Excellent original paint with
only a few light nose chips, nicely cleaned-up
engine compartment. Base level seats with
top has some moderate weathering, backlight
staring to separate. Heavier seat wear and wrinkling,
heavier carpet wear. Good engine bay
clean-up, but is not detailed. Cond: 3-. SOLD
AT $9,180. Another unit in the parade of C4s at
this venue, selling for around market pricing. At
least it was in one of the rarer colors for a C4.
Silver Auctions, Fort McDowell, AZ, 1/10.
68 Corvette Market WINTER 2009 www.corvettemarket.com
expected wear for miles indicated. Freshly
shampooed carpeting has far less wear than the
seats. Cond: 3. SOLD AT $15,635. There were
more C5s at this sale than you could shake a
stick at—all but three being black. Of the black
ones, this was pretty much in the best condition,
although it was one of the furthest away
from stock. The reserve was off at $14,500, and

Page 67

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Page 68

Market
Report
Global Roundup
Corvettes across the block
it got one more bid and sold at this realistic
price. Mecum, Kansas City, MO, 12/09.
#146-1999 CHEVROLET CORVETTE
CALLAWAY C12 convertible.
S/N
1G1YY32G6X5126571. Metallic blue/blue
& beige leather. Odo: 17,702 km. 5.7-L 440hp
fuel-injected V8, auto. Somewhat variable
panel fit, as per build. Very good paint shows
a few minor flaws, including chips on door
edges. All four wheels show curb rash. Clean
interior has moderate wear on seats and door
panels. Cond: 3+. SOLD AT $85,250. The
hot Callaway-developed and built Corvette—
the only one built with an automatic. Used
more than many, and formerly owned by Otis
Chandler. The MSRP on the car was $225k,
and all things considered, it's held a remarkable
percentage of value. Used Callaway
cars, provided they've not been totally abused,
can be great performance values. Don't save
it, drive it. See the profile, p. 32. Gooding &
Company, Scottsdale, AZ, 1/10.
#580-2001 CHEVROLET CORVETTE
convertible. S/N 1G1YY32G615100947.
White/black cloth/black leather. Odo: 68,697
miles. 5.7-L 350-hp fuel-injected V8, auto.
Factory options include 1SC Preferred
Equipment Group, Memory Package, performance
rear axle, sport seats, floor mats, singledisc
CD stereo, and chrome alloy wheels.
Mismatched emblems on wheels, tinted door
glass, alarm system decals on each side. Well
cared for, mostly original paint, light weathering
of original top. Moderate to heavier wear
on original interior—especially seats and floor
mats. Cond: 3-. SOLD AT $19,116. Not a bad
auto. Options include selective ride control,
1SC Preferred Equipment Group, Memory
Package, performance axle, sport seats,
floor mats, AM/FM/cassette stereo with CDchanger,
and chrome alloys. Well cared for,
mostly original paint, odd finish to cowl trim
panel—almost like it was painted while still
having silicone protectant on it. Noticeable
wear on top directly above top bows. Heavily
detailed underhood, worn steering wheel rim,
wrinkled leather on seat bottoms. Cond: 3.
SOLD AT $19,440. Just like lot 580, you could
do better if you wanted to shop around, but you
could certainly do worse too. Well sold. Silver
Auctions, Fort McDowell, AZ, 1/10.
#582-2004 CHEVROLET CORVETTE
coupe. S/N 1G1YY22G345110074. Torch
Red/black leather. Odo: 25,669 miles. 5.7-L
350-hp fuel-injected V8, auto. Equipped with
1SC Preferred Equipment Group, Memory
Package, sport seats, floor mats, single-disc
CD stereo, rear parcel cover, and chrome alloys.
Aftermarket window tint, all glass except
windshield. Like-new all-original paint, with
only a few light stone chips on nose and hood.
Undercarriage still sports most inspection tags
Very well cared for original paint, with minimal
nicks and only the slightest hint of any factory
orange peel. Cleanly detailed engine compartment
and washed off undercarriage. No worse
than expected interior wear for a 57,441-mile
car—with the heaviest wear on the leading
edge of the seat bottoms. Cond: 3. SOLD AT
$19,440. Of the four C5s here (all from one
dealer) this was probably the best bang for the
buck (that is, if you're impartial to coupes vs.
soft tops). Especially if all black is your thing.
A decent C5, sold at wholesale price. Silver
Auctions, Fort McDowell, AZ, 1/10.
C6
#S95.1 -2008 CHEVROLET CORVETTE
Karl Kustom Split-Window coupe. S/N
1G1YY26W985129977. Black/Ebony &
Sienna leather. Odo: 4,321 miles. 6.2-L 436-hp
fuel-injected V8, 6-sp. Options include 3LT
equipment group, Magnetic Selective Ride
Control, and dual-mode exhaust. Converted as
a new car by Karl Kustom Corvettes of Ankeny,
IA. Dealer promotional car, with 4,321 miles
since new. Minimal wear apart from heavier
and markings. Light clean-up needed under
the hood, interior wear commensurate with
indicated miles. Cond: 3+. SOLD AT $23,490.
This price was a bit higher than average in
today's market, but not by much. Still, a better
buy than lot 583, since if you're going C5
shopping—especially now that it's a buyer's
market—you might as well get the lowest-mile
example you can find. Silver Auctions, Fort
McDowell, AZ, 1/10.
car at all, but not the good deal that most of the
C4s were. Actually came in as close to correct
for retail pricing, but in today's soft C5 used
car market, you can shop for a better deal.
Silver Auctions, Fort McDowell, AZ, 1/10.
#581-2002 CHEVROLET CORVETTE
convertible. S/N 1G1YY32G725101400.
Magnetic Red/tan cloth/oak leather. Odo:
70,190 miles. 5.7-L 350-hp fuel-injected V8,
70 Corvette Market WINTER 2009 www.corvettemarket.com
#583-2004 CHEVROLET CORVETTE
2-dr coupe. S/N 1G1YY22G645132876.
Black/painted panel/black leather. Odo: 57,441
miles. Factory options include 1SB Preferred
Equipment Group, Memory Package, bodyside
moldings, performance rear axle, sport seats,
floor mats, AM/FM/single disc CD stereo along
with the 12-disc CD-changer out back, and
chrome alloy wheels shod with new Michelins.
driver's seat wrinkling and soiling to undercarriage.
Sold on the MSO. Cond: 2. SOLD AT
$132,500. This is the 1963 Split-Window coupe
flavor package from Karl Kustom. I actually
think this came off better than the convertible
package (see lot S91.1), as the roofline
integrated better—it almost looked like a
chopped '63 coupe. The reserve was surpassed
at $120k, going one more bid past that. To have
one built for you would cost more, and this was
turn-key ready in a popular color, so I'd call it
a good deal. Mecum, Kansas City, MO, 12/09.
#S84.1-2009 CHEVROLET CORVETTE
Z06 CSR Edition coupe.
S/N
1G1YZ25E395114608. Black & gray/
black leather. Odo: 4 miles. 7.0-L 505-hp
fuel-injected V8, 6-sp. Ordered new by Bob
McDorman Chevrolet of Canal Winchester,
OH. The car is in the exact condition that it was
when it was offloaded from the transport at the
dealership, with only four miles. It has not been

Page 69

dealer prepped, and has the wheel caps, floor
mats, owner's manuals, and squirrel decapitator
lower front air dam sitting in back—along
with the door graphics package. Sold on the
MSO. Cond: 1. SOLD AT $73,140. One of ten
black CSRs, with the other ten in Blade Silver.
If this was a die-cast model, it would be NIB
(New In Box). Went one bid past the $68,500
reserve (which is pretty close to wholesale—
sticker price being $77,600). Chances are, if
you went to your local Chevy dealer and had
‘em look for one, they'd come up empty. This
was a better deal than even if said dealer had it
and you got 0% financing. But folks who pickle
brand new cars almost always get the short
end of the stick eventually. Mecum, Kansas
City, MO, 12/09.
#S91.1-2009 CHEVROLET CORVETTE
Karl Kustom convertible.
S/N
1G1YY36W895108996. Crystal Red & tan/
tan cloth/tan & black leather. Odo: 92 miles.
6.2-L 436-hp fuel-injected V8, auto. GMinstalled
options include chrome wheels,
6-speed paddle-shift automatic, 3LT equipment
group, Magnetic Selective Ride Control,
dual-mode exhaust, and Crystal Red Tintcoat
paint. Converted as a new car by Karl Kustom
Corvettes of Ankeny, IA. Dealer demo car,
with 92 miles since new. Minimal wear and
soiling, sold on the MSO. Cond: 1. SOLD
AT $132,500. Like any retro-look conversion,
beauty is in the eye of the beholder—although
the most important sets of eyes be holding the
checkbook. I've seen enough conversions in
my day, and I dare say that these don't come
off too bad at all. They may also be among the
best quality conversions out there, if not just
by actually being able to put on a wonderful
paint job (something that Bowling Green still
has a few issues with). Was a no-sale across the
bock at $125k, but less than a half-hour later, it
was announced as a post-block sale. Mecum,
Kansas City, MO, 12/09. ■
Vintage
Advertising Prints
13" x 19"; Just $15.95
Available online at
www.sportscarmarket.com
www.corvettemarket.com WINTER 2010 Corvette Market 71

Trick
Stuff
What you need for your Corvette and where to get it. By John Gunnell
Lights, Sights, and Pet Sounds
AM radio converters, wrenches with flashing lights, ports for any pod, and
the best way to solve sagging springs in solid axles
Suddenly, I can see the light…
San Diego-based Bossco International is producing lighted tools for Corvette restorers. They in-
clude the new and patented Hi:Beam lighted wrench set, which has LEDs built into the open crescent
so you can see your way to reach bolts in dark, tight places.
The new wrenches are made of chrome-plated, dropforged, hardened steel. Each LED has three
settings: high-beam, low-beam, or blink. The blinking lights can be seen
from a quarter-mile away, so wrenches can serve as emergency warning
lights. A set of Hi:Beam wrenches sells for $99.99 and includes seven
double-ended wrenches—standard measurement (3/8 to 3/4 inches) at
one end and metric (10 to 20 mm) at the other. The wrenches come in a
recharging stand and the LEDs can shine for five hours before needing a
recharge. www.bosscointernational.com or call 866.933.2595.
How to make your radio rock
Now Corvette owners can
enjoy modern sound quality from
old radios, thanks to an invention
called RediRad. This gadget works
like a hands-free link for your cell
phone and connects to your car's
AM band. It's a real alternative to
buying a new or converted radio.
With RediRad you can enjoy music
from a CD player, iPod, Sirius or
XM satellite radio, cassette player, or simple portable
FM radio without removing or modifying your car's
factory-style AM or AM/FM radio. The RediRad can
connect to the radio in virtually any pre-1985 Corvette.
Brew City Engineering will let you try RediRad
risk-free for two months and they provide a twelvemonth
parts and labor warranty. The 12-volt models
sell for $129, while 6-volt models are $20 more. www
.brewcityengineering.com or call 877.BCE.0203.
Put a spring in your step
Original-style leaf springs for straight-axle
Corvettes were “unobtanium.” Now, Eaton Detroit
has brought them back. The new springs are made
out of grooved spring steel with a lip. Manufacturer
Mike Eaton says restorers are better off using new
springs than trying to have old ones bent back into
shape. Eaton introduced correct reproduction Corvette
springs at the SEMA show in November 2009. They
list for $479 per pair. www.eatonsprings.com or call
313.963.3839.
i-caramba!
The Apple Universal Dock is a “home base” for charging, syncing an
more. Interchangeable inserts called Dock Adapters also allow it to wor
with iPhones and iPods. The dock sells for $49 and comes with five adapters
that fit the iPod Nano (4th and 5th generations); iPod Touch (2nd
generation); iPod Classic (80 gb and 120 gb/160 gb); iPod with video
(30 gb); and iPhone 3G and 3GS. www.store.apple.com/us or call 800.
MY.APPLE.
Be cool with hot laps
Corvette Market took some hot laps with Bob Bondurant during the SEMA show
last fall, and the experience kept us warm all winter. The Bondurant School of High
Performance Driving offers courses for all skill levels.
The school boasts six different courses that range in price from $1,375 for
Introduction to Racing to $5,850 for advanced courses in road racing and formula
car racing. The school also offers driving courses that teach how to handle a highperformance
vehicle at its limits. Advanced teen-age driving courses are also available.
www.bondurant.com or call 800.842.RACE.
76 Corvette Market WINTER 2010 www.corvettemarket.com
Bright idea
Though it may
look like a “War of
the Worlds” creature,
Stanley Tool Work's new
SquidBrite helps you
see what you're doing
when tinkering with
your favorite Corvette.
The rechargeable LED
flexible tripod work light
can be wrapped around
objects so it shines
exactly where you want
it. With its pivoting light
and flexible rubber grip
stand, it can sit securely
on uneven surfaces, and
SquidBrite's magnetic
backing holds it tight to
metal surfaces.
The “head” light
can be removed from
the base for use in tight
spots. A total of 20 ultrabright
LEDs provide
maximum brightness.
The rechargeable battery
lasts up to six hours, and
an AC charging adapter is
included. $44.95. www
.stanleytools.com or call
800.262.2161.

Page 76

In
Miniature
1974 Corvette Coupe
The year 1974 was
the end of the line for
the Corvette's 454-ci
big-block V8, thanks
to the EPA, the DOT,
OPEC, insurance companies,
lawyers, and
every other group or
person who had a hand
in its demise.
But one way to get
something out of that
dark time is to collect
some wonderful models.
Of course, 1974
was also the first year
that both front and
rear bumpers were
clad in body-colored,
energy-absorbing
urethane, and it was the only year of the split rear bumper, which this model faithfully
re-creates.
The Danbury Mint employs some real enthusiasts, who also happen to be talented,
and this really is the “golden age” for collectors of Corvette miniatures. Some wonderful
models have been made, and along comes another great 1:24-scale piece in the
form of the 1974 Corvette coupe.
This is a new, serial numbered, limited-edition production run. It's stunning in
Mille Miglia Red, with black interior simulating the optional leather upholstery.
Again, DM has nailed the shape and stance. Finishing off the overall look are perfectly
replicated Rally wheels shod with white letter Firestone steel-belted radials.
This model is well equipped, with the custom interior package that includes the
aforementioned leather seats and optional power windows. Both doors have woodgrain
accents and carpeted lower panels. Both driver and passenger have rubber floor
mats with molded Corvette script. In the past, DM used real leather on the seats of
some of their Corvette models and the effect was pretty bad. I'm happy to report that
no cows were sacrificed for this model, and the seats are beautiful miniatures, with
great attention paid to simulating the look of leather, including various seams, piping,
and creases. These complete a most accurately detailed interior.
Lift up the hood—which stays in place via a smooth-functioning telescoping prop
rod—and you'll enjoy an engine bay accurate enough to bring tears to the eyes of a
restoration expert. You want chassis detail? It's all there, down to brake cables and
power steering hoses.
All the emblems and scripts are little gems and placed where each belongs. There's
even a tiny exterior key button for the alarm, on the side of the left front body panel,
just forward of the perfectly applied chrome Stingray script.
As we've come to expect from DM, miniature labels are
'74 Vette Details
Production Dates:
2009–current
Quantity: Numbered, limited
edition of 5,000
CM Five-Star Rating:
Overall Quality:
Authenticity:
Overall Value:
Web: www.danburymint.com
everywhere, from door jambs to hoses, and there is the usual
long list of working features inside and out, which all work
very well. Add to that a staggering amount of detail, and
you get much more than your money's worth. It's almost a
sensory overload—so sit down in a good chair before you
start looking this one over.
My only qualm is calling this a limited edition. I'm sure
the models will sell out, as DM's Corvette limited editions
always do, but 5,000 is not limited. However, if you own
a '74 coupe or you collect Corvette models, one of these
wonderfully made pieces is a must-have. Priced at $149.
Available from the Danbury Mint, 800.243.4664.
By Marshall Buck
Speaking
Volumes
By Mark Wigginton
Corvette Grand Sport
By David Friedman & Lowell C. Paddock,
Motorbooks, 160 pages, $119.97, Amazon.com
The early 1960s sports car
racing scene in America boiled
down to two things: Cobras
and Corvettes. It was a battle
between Ford and Chevrolet, between
horsepower and handling
and more horsepower. And it led
to the creation and ultimate perfection
of the single-purpose Cobra killer—the Grand
Sport Corvette.
It was an odd time in racing, as the automobile manu-
facturers were banned from competition in 1957, leaving
the cars in the hands of privateers, supported by creative,
rule-bending insiders within those car companies. At that
time, the first Corvettes were dominating amateur racing.
By the time of the introduction of the C2 Sting Ray
coupes and convertibles, Shelby's Cobra was a real
threat, and the always-subversive Zora Arkus-Duntov
had plans to build the lightweight, tube-framed, racing
Grand Sport.
But those pesky corporados found out about Zora's
plans to build 150 Grand Sports, and killed the program
after only five cars were produced.
It's a great yarn, and David Friedman and Lowell
C. Paddock gathered stories and images from the time,
complete with a foreword by Grand Sport campaigner
Roger Penske, into a largely photographic history of the
cars and the races.
It wasn't an easy time for the Grand Sports. The
teething problems were slowly worked out, but the
evolution often included untidy add-on oil coolers,
louvers and flares. Raced by some of the biggest names
in period motorsport (Penske, Jim Hall, Augie Pabst,
George Wintersteen, A.J. Foyt, Dick Guldstrand), the
cars' lack of open corporate support kept them from
greater success.
Corvette Grand Sport covers this short period and
five cars in detail, with an amazing number of photos. It
is an essential part of any Corvette fan's library.
Provenance:
Friedman is an automotive writer with a deep catalog
of books about the period, and he brings that knowledge
and reporting skill to the text. But the text is a fraction
of the book, and the large selection of photos puts the
meat on the bones of the book, with enough detailed
images, from garage to track, to keep your nose in the
book for hours.
Fit and Finish:
The reproduction is nice throughout, with sharp,
crisp black-and-white images getting plenty of attention.
But overall design and typography are best summed up
as utilitarian, which is a bit of a disappointment.
Drivability:
When history comes alive, it can be powerful. If
you have an opportunity to get to a historic race this
year somewhere in the U.S., you might be lucky enough
to see one of the original Grand Sports. A few hours
with Corvette Grand Sport before you go will give you
a greater sense of the importance of the car and the era.
It is a terrific look back at a car with great promise that
never quite made it.
78 Corvette Market WINTER 2010 www.corvettemarket.com

Presented by Keith Martin's Corvette Market Magazine
Celebrate America's sports car as a part of
Concorso Italiano during the Monterey Historic Weekend.
One day only, Friday, August 13, 2010, Laguna Seca Golf Rance, Monterey, CA
The only Corvette-only corral of the entire weekend. Fantastic setting. Great people. Amazing cars.
Enter your car into the Corvette-only corral, with a Corvette-only hospitality tent.
Space available for local and national clubs to display their materials.
“People's Choice”, “Farthest Driven” and “Most Original” Awards
Special commemorative t-shirt to all entrants.
Enjoy all the activities at Concorso Italiano, including an F40 reunion, vendor booths, great food and more.
Regular $125, save $25 when you register though Corvette Market.
Go to www.corvettesatconcorso.com, click on “Register Here”, and enter promo code: corvette2010.
For more information about Concorso Italiano, go to www.concorso.com.

Page 80

Vette-o-bilia
Online trash and trinkets—some valuable, some not. By Carl Bomstead
Decanting a 'Vette Collection
How to collect models with liquid assets; '78 Pace Car scrapbook a find (if
you have one), '59 Corvette bicycle might keep kids away from your car
booze alone is worth at least $20. Franklin Mint and the Danbury Mint have created an endless number of
quality diecast Corvette models that sell for a fraction of their issue price. The packaging is important, so
make sure they are complete with books and papers.
Some are a little more upscale, and we recently noted a crystal '57 that sold for $255. And how about this
W
'57 in pewter?
EBAY# 120522807831—
1957 1:12-SCALE FRANKLIN
MINT PEWTER CORVETTE.
Number of Bids: Buy-It-Now.
SOLD AT: $450. Date Sold:
1/25/2010. This was number 819
of 1,000 1957 Corvettes issued
by the Franklin Mint in 1997.
They were made of solid pewter,
except for the leather seats and
rubber tires, weighed about 30
pounds, and were almost two feet
long. This example included all
its papers, but the box was missing.
One with the box recently
sold at auction for $700, so make
sure you keep all the packaging.
saving them all in this scrapbook.
At a touch over two-bits a
page, it seems like a bargain if
a '78 Corvette is parked in your
garage. The seller also offered
several other Corvette-filled
scrapbooks, including one with
200 pages of stuff regarding just
red '63s. Some people have too
much time on their hands....
Number of Bids: Buy-It-Now.
SOLD AT: $160. Date Sold:
1/25/2010. This 3′ x 9′ canvas
banner was issued to B.F.
Goodrich dealers in the early
'90s to promote their T/A tires.
It featured the L88 Corvette,
and this one had never been
displayed. The seller offered
several similar banners, but this
was the only one that featured
a Corvette. Just the ticket to
cover one end of your garage,
especially if you have the real
thing parked in there.
EBAY #250567819125—
1997 $10 SILVER COIN
FEATURING A 1975
CORVETTE. Number of Bids:
7. SOLD AT: $36.35. Date Sold:
1/28/2010. This coin was issued
by the Mystic Lake Casino in
Minnesota in 1997 and contained
a Troy ounce of fine silver. It
had a meltdown value of about
$10.42, so you are not buying
these to turn a profit. They were
part of a collector series issued
by the casino, and one featuring
a '65 Corvette sold for only
$15. Does this mean that a '75
Corvette is twice as desirable as
a '65? I don't want to get in the
middle of that one.
EBAY #290395159008—
1959 SCHWINN 26″
CORVETTE 3-SPEED
BICYCLE. Number of Bids:
25. SOLD AT: $280. Date
Sold: 1/31/2010. This Schwinn
Corvette bike was dated 1959 on
its Sturmey-Archer hub and the
paint was in worn but original
condition. It looked like it would
need to be restored if you wanted
to display it, but would be just
fine for your kid to ride—a great
way to keep him away from your
full-sized car.
EBAY #190369783088—
1978 CORVETTE SCRAPBOOK.
Number of Bids: 4.
SOLD AT: $76. Date Sold:
2/7/2010. The seller had gone
to the trouble of amassing 266
pages worth of information and
photographs of 1978 Corvettes,
EBAY #360229913574—
EBAY #330398497667—
1969 C3 CORVETTE B.F.
GOODRICH BANNER.
82 Corvette Market WINTER 2010 www.corvettemarket.com
1957 CORVETTE OWNERS
MANUAL. Number of Bids:
16. SOLD AT: $177.49. Date
Sold: 2/03/2010. This rather tattered
1957 Corvette Operations
Manual was 8½ʺ x 5ʺ and
included 88 pages of information
regarding the operation of
the Corvette. Reproductions
are available from a number of
sources for $10 or so, and an
original in very nice condition
was offered on eBay with a
Buy-It-Now price of $1,000. This
price seems like a bunch considering
the condition, but they are
hard to find.
EBAY #150410257634—
1960 CORVETTE
SHOWROOM POSTER.
Number of Bids: 12. SOLD
AT: $316. Date Sold: 2/07/2010.
This 18ʺ x 32ʺ poster was from
Reeder Chevrolet in Knoxville,
Kentucky, and mounted on
quarter-inch fiberboard. It was a
rather plain Jane poster, but then
again, it wasn't expensive for
an authentic piece of Corvette
memorabilia.
ant to start an extensive Corvette collection for a modest amount of money? Clear some shelf space
and settle down in front of your computer. At any one time eBay has plenty of Corvette decanters
and 1:24-scale diecast models for sale. Want a '78 in red, yellow, or white? No problem. Same with
'68 and '70. How about a Jim Beam bronze '55 or a full 1978 bottle in the box for $50? Heck, the